Moisture-sensitive pod dispenser and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to dispensers for dispensing moisture-sensitive pods and methods of use therewith, and especially dispensers and methods for dispensing moisture-sensitive pods comprising personal care formulations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/574,139, filed Oct. 18, 2017, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited infull herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dispensers for dispensingmoisture-sensitive pods and methods of use therewith, and especiallydispensers and methods for dispensing moisture-sensitive pods comprisingpersonal care formulations.

BACKGROUND

Personal care formulations such as soaps, shampoos, conditioners, andother cleansers and/or care formulations, are conventionally provided ina variety of different forms, according to consumer preference and easeof use. For example, liquid formulations of hair care products and evensoap and body wash formulations are typically provided in a bottledform, and it is also known to provide personal care formulations in theform of gels, sprays and powders, in bottles or other containers. Thecontainers may be designed to be aesthetically pleasing to use, and toefficiently dispense product for use by the consumer, such as forexample via a pour spout, pump, spray, or other dispensing means.

However, a problem with many conventional personal care productcontainers is that they typically are made of plastic, and/or may not bemanufactured with the intention of being reusable, and thus aregenerally not environmentally friendly. Even those products that are atleast technically capable of being refilled, such as e.g. shampoo orbody wash bottles, are typically not re-used by consumers, as convenientmeans for refilling such containers for the most part simply do notexist. Accordingly, many consumers simply purchase fresh bottles ofpersonal care product rather than going to the hassle of finding ways tore-use, with used plastic personal care product bottles simply beingdisposed of, as only a small percentage of consumers recycle bathroompackaging. Outside the home, hotels offer amenities of myriad smallplastic bottles which are refreshed daily for consumption. It can bereadily appreciated that if each consumer in the U.S. purchases and usesseveral tens of bottles' worth of personal care product every year, andthese plastic bottles are subject to disposal rather than re-use, theamount of waste generated by the disposal of these products and/or theenergy required for recycling used containers into new products, isunreasonably excessive and potentially damaging to the long-term healthof the environment. Further exacerbating this problem is that plastic isa material that does not readily decompose or break-down upon disposal.Accordingly, as many consumers do not bother recycling plastic personalcare product containers, these plastic materials can end up in landfillsas relatively non-decomposable material that can persist for generationsto come, or as hazardous debris in the oceans that can impact the foodchain, among the various ways that non-recycled plastic materials canblight the environment.

Recently, single use laundry detergent products have been developed thatcontain laundry formulations contained within a water-soluble package,such as a pouch made with PVOH films or material with similarcharacteristics, which can be an attractive alternative to moreconventional bulk liquid or powder laundry product forms (see, e.g., WO2011/094470). Such products may improve ease of use of laundry products,as the pre-measured single use water-soluble package simply dissolvesand washes away during use of the laundry detergent product, eliminatingthe need for the consumer to measure the proper amount of detergent foreach load, as well as being more portable when the washing machine islocated away from a residence, as in apartment buildings. Individualwater-soluble pouches containing laundry product are generally packagedas a batch together in a plastic tub or bag. Furthermore, consumerhandling of the product typically occurs in an environment that isrelatively dry, such as while loading a laundry machine before a washcycle is performed. Additionally, when removing laundry pods, consumerhands are likely dry, thus removing one pod by hand from a batch of podsin a container would not compromise the remaining pods in the batch.

However, it has been a challenge to convert such single use productsinto forms suitable for personal care products, as the functionalrequirements for laundry detergent products are different than those forpersonal care formulations. In particular, recent focus has been onmaking substantially thinner water-soluble films for personal care“pods” containing personal care formulations therein, such that the podscan release personal care products to the consumer as the outer filmsdissolve in an efficient and pleasing manner during washing, bathing,showering, etc. However, a problem with such pods is that the thinexternal water-soluble film can have an inherent moisture sensitivitythat complicates their day-to-day use. Specifically, the water-solublefilms that make up the pod “shells” can be easily susceptible todeterioration when exposed to ambient moisture or wet hands, which canbe particularly problematic for the types of moisture-rich environmentsin or near sinks, showers and bathtubs where they are most likely to beused, and with the product being handled by users with wet hands in thebath or shower. Prolonged exposure of the pods to excessive ambientmoisture levels and wet hands can result in deterioration of thewaster-soluble films to a point where they exhibit a tacky orunpleasantly sticky feel, and can even result in failure of thewater-soluble film and leakage of the personal care product. Wide-spreadconsumer adoption of such moisture-sensitive pods thus depends on theability to maintain the structural integrity of the pods even inmoisture-rich environments.

Accordingly, there remains a need for systems and methods for providingmoisture-sensitive pods for use by consumers, including in moisture-richenvironments, without excessive degradation of the moisture-sensitivepods. There remains a need for providing moisture-sensitive pods for useby consumers, including the ability to dispense a single pod with wethands without compromising the remaining unused pods in a package. Therefurther remains a need for systems and methods for providing moreenvironmentally friendly personal products, such as for example withless plastic packaging, and/or with less packaging waste, and/or withpackaging that is not as harmful to the environment.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure provide a dispenser for the dispensing ofmoisture-sensitive pods which may be suitable for use in a variety ofdifferent locations and/or applications. For example, embodiments of thedispenser may be suitable for use at home, such as for use duringshowering, bathing or washing at home, as well as for personal useduring travel. The dispenser may also be suitable for use at locationsremote from a consumer's home, either as transported by a consumer or asprovided at that remote location, such as at a hotel, gym, school,military barracks, pool, park, prison, public restroom, movie theater,mall, hospital, plane, spa, or any other place where personal careproducts may be used outside the home. According to one aspect, thedispenser may at least partially replace environmentally unfriendlysingle-use plastic packaging omnipresent in personal care industry with,for example, a re-usable (i.e. permanent) dispenser, and/or with paperpackaging which may be more environmentally friendly due to its beingrenewable, more easily recyclable, and/or biodegradable.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a dispenser is provided fordispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personalcare liquid or gel formulations. The dispenser comprises a dispenserbody having one or more water-resistant walls at least partiallydefining an interior volume of the dispenser; a holding area configuredto hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume ofthe dispenser, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held inthe holding area are contained in a plurality of sealable holdingcompartments comprising compartment walls that separate eachmoisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holdingcompartments; and at least one dispenser outlet configured to dispense amoisture-sensitive pod from at least one of the plurality of holdingcompartments. The one or more walls of the dispenser body inhibit thepenetration of moisture into the interior volume of the dispenser, andeach moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantiallymoisture-free environment until it is dispensed.

In another embodiment, a dispenser is provided for dispensingmoisture-sensitive pods comprising personal care formulations. Thedispenser comprises a dispenser body having a base and one or moresidewalls extending from the base to define an interior volume; areceiving area configured to receive a plurality of moisture-sensitivepods in the interior volume of the dispenser, the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods being contained in a plurality of sealableholding compartments comprising compartment walls that separate eachmoisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holdingcompartments; and at least one dispenser outlet at an end of thedispenser body that is configured to provide access to one or more ofthe moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume. The one or morewalls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into oneor more of the plurality of holding compartments, and eachmoisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-freeenvironment until it is dispensed.

In a further embodiment, a dispenser is provided for dispensing aplurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid orgel formulations. The dispenser comprises a dispenser body having a baseand one or more sidewalls extending from the base to define an interiorvolume; a holding area configured to hold a plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser, whereinthe plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the holding area arecontained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments comprisingcompartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive pod from oneanother in adjacent holding compartments; and dispenser outletscomprising a plurality of apertures formed in the one or more sidewallsand configured to dispense moisture-sensitive pods from at least one ofthe plurality of holding compartments. The one or more walls of thedispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into the interiorvolume of the dispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintainedin a substantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.

In yet another embodiment, a dispenser is provided for dispensing aplurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid orgel formulations. The dispenser comprises a dispenser body having one ormore sidewalls that at least partially define an interior volume, theone or more sidewalls at least partially surrounding a central axis ofthe interior volume, and the one or more sidewalls defining an openingbetween opposing edges thereof; a holding area configured to hold aplurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of thedispenser, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in theholding area are contained in a plurality of sealable holdingcompartments comprising compartment walls that separate eachmoisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holdingcompartments; and dispenser outlets comprising a plurality of aperturesformed along the one or more sidewalls and configured to dispensemoisture-sensitive pods from at least one of the plurality of holdingcompartments. The one or more sidewalls of the dispenser body inhibitthe penetration of moisture into the interior volume of the dispenser,and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantiallymoisture-free environment until it is dispensed.

In yet another embodiment, a dispenser is provided for dispensing aplurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid orgel formulations, the dispenser comprising a dispenser body having oneor more water-resistant walls at least partially defining an interiorvolume of the dispenser; a holding area configured to hold a pluralityof moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser,wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the holdingarea are contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments atleast partially encircling a central axis of the interior volume, theplurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment wallsthat separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacentholding compartments; and at least one dispenser outlet configured todispense a moisture-sensitive pod from at least one of the plurality ofholding compartments. The one or more sidewalls of the dispenser bodyinhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume of thedispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in asubstantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.

In yet another embodiment, a dispenser is provided for dispensing aplurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid orgel formulations, the dispenser comprising a dispenser body having oneor more water-resistant walls at least partially defining an interiorvolume of the dispenser, a holding area configured to hold a pluralityof moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser,wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the holdingarea are contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartmentscomprising compartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive podfrom one another in adjacent holding compartments, and at least onedispenser outlet configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod that isejected from at least one of the plurality of holding compartments intothe interior volume. The one or more water-resistant walls comprise aplurality of selection regions formed therein, each selection regionbeing aligned with a respective sealable holding compartment in theholding area such that application of an external pressure to aselection region ejects a moisture-sensitive pod from the holdingcompartment that is aligned therewith into the interior volume of thedispenser, for dispensing of the moisture-sensitive pod from thedispenser. The one or more walls of the dispenser body inhibit thepenetration of moisture into the interior volume of the dispenser, andeach moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantiallymoisture-free environment until it is dispensed.

In yet another embodiment, an insert is provided that is adapted for usea dispenser, the insert comprising a plurality of compartments, eachcompartment configured to house a single moisture-sensitive podcontaining a personal care liquid or gel concentrate formulation, eachcompartment further adapted to maintain each moisture-sensitive pod in asubstantially moisture-free environment and each compartment configuredto allow access to each pod on an individual basis without impacting themoisture-free environment of adjacent compartments. The insert may, incertain embodiments, be a single-use insert formed of an environmentallyfriendly material such as a fiber-based material, a recyclable material,and/or a compostable material. In yet another embodiment, the insert maybe formed of an environmentally friendly multi-use insert.

These and other aspects of the invention are further disclosed in thedetailed description and examples which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and areincluded to further demonstrate certain aspects of the presentinvention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one ormore of these drawings in combination with the detailed description ofspecific embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a dispenser fordispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personalcare liquid or gel formulations, according to one aspect.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a dispenserfor dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containingpersonal care liquid or gel formulations, according to one aspect.

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the dispenser embodiment of FIG. 1,also showing a removable insert for refill of a plurality of themoisture sensitive pods, according to one aspect.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a tongue-in-groovemechanism for inserting a removable insert in a dispenser, according toone aspect. A tongue-in groove-mechanism may also be used, according toone aspect, to mechanically link one or more insert panels tocorresponding panels of the dispenser, such that opening of anindividual dispenser panel simultaneously opens an insert panel that isin mechanical communication with the dispenser panel, thereby to exposea pod in a holding compartment covered by insert panel without exposingpods in adjacent compartments.

FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a dispenser fordispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personalcare liquid or gel formulations, having a plurality of apertures in asidewall thereof for the dispensing of moisture-sensitive pods, ofaccording to one aspect.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the embodiment of the dispenser ofFIG. 5, also showing a removable insert for refill of a plurality of themoisture sensitive pods.

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the embodiment of the dispenser ofFIGS. 5 and 6, showing the dispenser according to a free-standingaspect.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are further perspective views of the embodiment of thedispenser of FIGS. 5 and 6, also showing mounting mechanisms for hangingthe dispenser, according to one aspect.

FIG. 10 is a perspective front view of another embodiment of a dispenserfor dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containingpersonal care liquid or gel formulations, having one or more sidewallsat least partially surrounding a central axis, and a plurality ofapertures in the sidewalls, according to one aspect.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are another perspective front view of the dispenserembodiment of FIG. 10 (FIG. 11A), with inset (FIG. 11B) showing accessto a moisture-sensitive pod via an aperture in the dispenser, accordingto one aspect.

FIG. 12 is a perspective side-angle view of an embodiment of inserts fora dispenser, the inserts having a plurality of sealable holdingcompartments to hold the moisture sensitive pods, according to oneaspect.

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the dispenser embodiment of FIGS.10 and 11, showing refill of a removable insert having a plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods, according to one aspect.

FIG. 14 is perspective front view of another embodiment of a dispenserfor dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containingpersonal care liquid or gel formulations, having a plurality of sealableholding compartments at least partially encircling a central axis,according to one aspect.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a plurality of the dispensers of embodimentof FIG. 14, in a stackable form, according to one aspect.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are further perspective views of the dispenserembodiment of FIG. 14, also showing dispensing of a moisture-sensitivepod from one of the sealable holding compartments, according to oneaspect.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser embodiment ofFIGS. 14 and 16-17, according to one aspect.

FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the dispenser embodiment of FIGS.14, 16-17 and 18, and also showing portability of the dispenser fortravel, according to one aspect.

FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the dispenser embodiment of FIGS.14, 16-17 and 18, showing a carrier configuration in which dispenserscan be stacked vertically, according to one aspect.

FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the dispenser embodiment of FIGS.14, 16-17 and 18, showing a carrier configuration in which dispenserscan be stacked horizontally, according to one aspect.

FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the dispenser embodiment of FIGS.14, 16-17 and 18, showing a configuration in which dispensers can bestacked horizontally and mounted with a mounting mechanism, according toone aspect.

FIG. 23 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a dispenser fordispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personalcare liquid or gel formulations, according to one aspect.

FIG. 24 is another perspective front view of the dispenser embodiment ofFIG. 23 showing loading of a removable insert having moisture-sensitivepods into the dispenser, according to one aspect.

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective front view of the dispenserembodiment of FIGS. 23-24 showing removable inserts, a dispenser body,and a flexible sleeve, according to one aspect.

FIG. 26 is a cut-away perspective front view of the dispenserembodiments of FIGS. 23-25 illustrating dispensing of amoisture-sensitive pod from a base of the dispenser, according to oneaspect.

FIGS. 27A-27B are a perspective front view, and a schematic top view, ofan embodiment of a dispenser for dispensing a plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid or gelformulations, according to one aspect.

FIG. 27C is a perceptive front view and schematic side view of anembodiment of removable inserts that may be used with the dispenserembodiment of FIGS. 27A-27B, according to one aspect.

FIGS. 28A-28B are schematic cut-away side views of removable inserts forcontaining moisture-sensitive pods in a dispenser, according to oneaspect.

FIGS. 29A-29D are schematic side views of removable inserts containedwithin a dispenser for dispensing of moisture-sensitive pods therefrom,according to one aspect.

FIG. 30 is a perspective front view of a removable panel havingre-sealable valves formed therein, for dispensing of moisture-sensitivepods from a dispenser, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a perspective front view of another embodiment of a dispenserfor dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containingpersonal care liquid or gel formulations, according to one aspect.

FIGS. 32A-32B are a perspective front view, and a schematic top view, ofan embodiment of a dispenser for dispensing a plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid or gelformulations, according to one aspect.

FIG. 32C is a perceptive front view and schematic side view of anembodiment of removable inserts that may be used with the dispenserembodiment of FIGS. 32A-32B, according to one aspect.

FIG. 33 is a perspective front view of another embodiment of a dispenserfor dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containingpersonal care liquid or gel formulations, illustrating loading of aremovable insert having a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods into thedispenser, according to one aspect.

FIG. 34 are perspective front views of the dispenser embodiment of FIG.33 illustrating dispensing of a moisture-sensitive pod to a tray of thedispenser, according to one aspect.

FIGS. 35A-35B are a perspective front view, and a schematic side view,of an embodiment of a dispenser for dispensing a plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid or gelformulations, according to one aspect.

FIG. 35C is a perceptive front view and schematic side view of anembodiment of removable inserts that may be used with the dispenserembodiment of FIGS. 35A-35B, according to one aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To address the issue of moisture sensitivity for pods containingpersonal care liquid or gel formulations, in one embodiment a dispenser100 is provided that is capable of maintaining each of a plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods 102 in a substantially moisture-free environmentuntil, the moisture sensitive pod is dispensed for use. By maintainingthe moisture-sensitive pods in a substantially moisture-freeenvironment, the structural integrity of the pods and especially anywater-soluble films making up the shells of the pod can substantially bemaintained, such that the dispensed pod remains pleasing and suitablefor use upon dispensing.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, 10 and 14, embodiments of suitable dispensers100 for dispensing the moisture-sensitive pods are shown. In oneembodiment, the dispenser 100 for dispensing a plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods 102 (see, e.g. FIGS. 11 and 12) containingpersonal care liquid or gel formulations comprises a dispenser body 104having one or more water-resistant walls 106 at least partially definingan interior volume 108 of the dispenser 100. The dispenser 100 furthercomprises a holding area 110 configured to hold a plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods 102 in the interior volume 108 of the dispenser100. The holding area 110 is configured such that the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods 102 held therein are contained in a plurality ofsealable holding compartments 112 comprising compartment walls 114 thatseparate each moisture-sensitive pod 102 from one another in adjacentholding compartments 112. The dispenser further comprises at least onedispenser outlet 116 configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod 102from at least one of the plurality of holding compartments 112. The oneor more walls 106 of the dispenser body 104 inhibit the penetration ofmoisture into the interior volume 108 of the dispenser 100, and eachmoisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-freeenvironment until it is dispensed.

This dispenser body 104 may comprise a variety of different shapes,according to for example the type of product being dispensed, consumerpreference, the environment where the dispenser will be located, etc. Inone embodiment, as shown for example in FIGS. 1-2 and 10, the dispenserbody 104 has an elongated shape. In yet another embodiment, as shown forexample in FIGS. 1-2, 10 and 14, at least a portion of the walls 106give the dispenser body 104 a rounded shape. In yet another embodiment,as shown for example in FIG. 14, the dispenser body 104 has a discshape. The one or more walls 106 of the dispenser body 104 can compriseone or more sidewalls 118, and optionally also one or more of a top 120and/or bottom wall 122, as shown in FIG. 5. The walls 106 includingsidewalls and/or top and/or bottom walls define the interior volume 108of the dispenser 100 where the moisture-sensitive pods 102 are held.Furthermore, the walls 106 of the dispenser body 104 may preferably beconstructed of a material that inhibits the penetration by moisture, soas to facilitate maintaining the pods 102 in a moisture freeenvironment. In yet another embodiment, the walls 106 of the dispenserbody may be formed of an environmentally friendly material, such as arecyclable material or biodegradable material, and/or a post-consumerrecycled material. Suitable materials for forming the dispenser body 104include plastics, such as bioplastics obtained from renewable biomasssources including starch-based plastics and cellulose based plastics,poly-lactic acid-based plastics, recycled PET plastics, bioresins,biodegradable plastics, recycled plastics, glass, metals (includingrecyclable metals such as aluminum), ceramics, composite materials, andpaper or fiber-based materials such as paper, paperboard, corrugated andreinforced paper products, and material made from natural fibers. Thedispenser body 104 can also comprise rubber or other materials to aid ingripping the dispenser 100, such as rubber pads or stripes on the body104 of the dispenser 100. The dispenser body 104 may also optionally becoated with a water-resistant coating to further inhibit moisturepenetration into the holding area 110 of the dispenser 100. Furthermore,while the dispenser 100 is configured to inhibit penetration of moistureinto at least some of the holding compartments 112 to protectmoisture-sensitive pods 102, it is also contemplated that the dispenser100 may be capable of dispensing one or more pods 102 that have littleor no moisture sensitivity.

In one embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112 comprise atleast one removable insert 124 that is configured to be removed from thedispenser body 104 for refill of the plurality of moisture-sensitivepods, as shown for example in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 13 and 18. Accordingto one aspect, the at least one removable insert 124 comprises aplurality of holding compartments 112 positioned along an insert strip126 (see, e.g., FIG. 12), each holding compartment 112 configured tocontain an individual moisture-sensitive pod 102. For example, theinsert 124 may comprise up to 10 and even more holding compartments 112,such as at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 5, atleast 7, at least 8, and at least 9 holding compartments. In yet anotherembodiment, the insert 124 may comprise just a single holdingcompartment 112. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of holdingcompartments 112 comprise a plurality of separate removable inserts 124,each containing a single holding compartment 112 configured to containan individual moisture-sensitive pod 102. The holding compartments 112typically will be configured to accommodate just a single pod 102,although the holding compartments may in some situations be configuredto contain more than one pod 102, such as for example when two pods areintended to be used substantially simultaneously. Furthermore, theholding area 110 of the dispenser 100 may be configured to accommodate aplurality of removable inserts 124 having the plurality of holdingcompartments 112 in the interior volume 108 of the dispenser 100. Forexample, the holding area 110 may be configured to contain up to 10 andeven more removable inserts 124, such as at least 2, at least 3, atleast 4, at least 5, at least 5, at least 7, at least 8, and at least 9removable inserts 124.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a removable insert 124 suitable fora dispenser 100 according to aspects of the invention. In this figure,the insert 124 comprises a plurality of compartments 112, eachcompartment 112 configured to house a single moisture-sensitive pod 102containing a personal care liquid or gel concentrate formulation. Eachcompartment 112 is further adapted to maintain each moisture-sensitivepod 102 in a substantially moisture-free environment, such as forexample by providing walls 114 that at least partially surround andisolate the pods 112 from each other and/or the external environment.According to one aspect, each compartment 112 is further configured toallow access to each pod 102 on an individual basis, without impactingthe moisture-free environment of adjacent compartments 112. For example,referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, it can be seen that each holdingcompartment 112 has a compartment panel 128 that can be opened to accessthe contents of the individual compartment 112. The compartment panel128 can form a part of the sealable walls of the compartment 112 thatseal the compartment 112 when closed, but can be opened by a consumer toaccess a pod therein, such as by peeling back the compartment panel 128from the insert (as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B). In one embodiment, theinsert strip 126 comprises perforations at various points along thewidth thereof, to allow for access to individual compartments 112 bytearing back a portion of the strip 126 between perforations, withoutexposing adjacent compartments 112. In yet another embodiment, theinsert 124 may comprise compartment panels 128 that are separatelyopenable as doors on hinges, such that the contents of one compartment112 behind one panel 128 can be exposed without exposing adjacentcompartments 112 behind panels 128 that remain closed. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 12, compartment panels 128 for each compartment 112 areseparated by a perforated sealing section 130 in an insert strip 126that allows for each panel 128 to be separately opened while adjacentcompartments can remain sealed. That is, the plurality of compartments112 may be sealed by a peelable portion of an insert strip 126 that isadhered to the plurality of compartments and seals an opening of thecompartments 112, with the insert strip 126 being perforated widthwiseat a plurality of positions along the length thereof to allow individualpeeling of sections of the strip corresponding to the compartment panels128. In the embodiment, the compartment 112 behind a panel 128 can beexposed by peeling back the section of the strip 126 betweenperforations that corresponds to the panel 128, without exposingadjacent compartments behind the other panels that have not been opened.Other embodiments for separate opening of the compartment panels 128 arealso possible, including providing an insert 124 with pre-made separatecompartments each having separate compartment panels 128, where theseparate compartments are connected together, such as by being adheredto one another side by side to form the insert 124, and such that thecompartments panels 128 of each are individually openable withoutopening the compartment panels 128 of other compartments 112 in theinsert 124.

The removable inserts 124 can comprise a shape suitable to accommodatethe holding area 110 of the dispenser 100, and vice versa. For example,for a dispenser body 104 having an elongate shape as shown in FIGS. 1and 2, the removable insert 124 may similarly comprise an elongateshape, whereas for a dispenser body having a disc shape as in FIG. 14the removable insert 124 may also be in the shape of a disc. In oneembodiment, the removable inserts 124, are formed of an environmentallyfriendly material, such as at least one of an environmentally friendlyplastic, including recycled, recyclable and/or biodegradable plastic,such as bioplastics obtained from renewable biomass sources includingstarch-based plastics and cellulose based plastics, as well as a paperand/or fiber-based material, such as a paper, paperboard, cardboard,and/or corrugated paper product, and products produced from naturalfibers, and including recycled products, and recyclable and/orbiodegradable products. The insert 124 can also comprise combinations ofdifferent materials, such as a first material for the sealable holdingcompartments 112, and a second material serving as panels 128 for thecompartments, such as a second material for an insert strip 126 that isused to seal the openings of the compartments 112. The insert 124 mayalso be coated with a water-resistant coating to inhibit the penetrationof moisture into the holding compartments. In one embodiment, the insert124 comprises a paper or fiber-based material, such as a molded paperproduct, that is coated with a water-resistant coating, such as apolymer-based coating.

In the embodiment where the holding area 110 accommodates one or morerefillable inserts 124, the dispenser 100 may be refilled to replaceused pods 102 by removing used inserts and inserting fresh inserts 124into the dispenser 100. In a case where a plurality of inserts may becontained in the dispenser 100, the inserts 124 may be individuallyreplaced one at a time, or the inserts may be entirely removed andreplaced with fresh inserts. Also, in one embodiment the inserts 124might be provided to a user “pre-loaded” with pods 102 already insertedinto the holding chambers 112, or a user may be provided with pods 102separately from the inserts 124, so as to allow the user to load theinserts 124 with pods according to their preference, and replace theinserts 124 into the dispenser 100 with a customized pod selection. Inone embodiment, both the holding compartments 112 and walls 106 of thedispenser body 104 are configured to inhibit the penetration ofmoisture, such as by being shaped to inhibit moisture and made ofmoisture-resistant materials. However, it may also be the case that thewalls 106 of the dispenser body are more water-impermeable than thewalls 114 of the holding compartments 112, or vice versa.

In one embodiment, the one or more inserts 124 and/or dispenser body 104may be configured to releasably attach and/or secure the inserts to thedispenser body, when the inserts are placed into the holding area. Forexample, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a tongue-in-groove configurationcan be provided to secure the insert to the dispenser body. In oneembodiment, the body of the dispenser 100 comprises longitudinal slots156 extending down at least a portion of the length of the dispenserbody 104, and which are configured to engage the lateral sides 158 ofthe inserts 124 to retain the inserts 124 in the holding area 110. Theinserts can be engaged with the dispenser body 104 by sliding thelateral sides 159 of the inserts in the longitudinal slots such that thesides 159 of the inserts are fixed in position by the slots. Other meansof securing the inserts 124 within the dispenser body 104 can also beprovided. For example, the inserts can be affixed by a releasableattachment means, such as a releasable adhesive, magnetic means, byproviding anchoring means within the dispenser body, or by a snap inconfiguration. For example, in one embodiment, the dispenser body mayhave upper and lower slots to accommodate upper and lower edges of aninsert, and the insert is longitudinally squeezed to fit the endsthereof in the slots, whereupon relaxing of the insert extends thelength of the insert so it is snug against the slots.

In yet another embodiment, the tongue-in-groove configuration can form apart of the dispenser panels 136 that can be opened to individuallyaccess the compartments 112. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the meansfor securing the insert 124 can comprise longitudinal slots 156 (e.g.,grooves) as shown, that engage with the lateral sides 158 of the insert124, with each panel 136 having its own independent tongue-in-grooveconfiguration with slots 156 that are independent of the slots 156 ofother panels 136. That is, the panels 136 may have an extendingstructure 137 that extends away from a surface of the panel 136 facingthe insert, and that hooks around and forms a channel (the slot 156) forreceiving a side 158 of the insert. Each panel 136 may have its ownseparate extending structures 137 and/or hooking means for separatelyengaging the adjacent lip or lateral side of the insert. Accordingly, aninsert panel 128 can be opened to access an individual compartment byopening the dispenser panel 136, as opening of the panel 136simultaneously engages the lateral side 158 of the insert, causing thepanel 128 to open via tearing or lifting of the lateral side 158 awayfrom the rest of the insert body, such as for example by tearing alongperforated lines formed in an insert strip 126. Thus, thetongue-in-groove configuration can provide for securing of an insert tothe dispenser body, and may also provide for individual access to eachof the compartments by opening the panels 136, without exposing adjacentcompartments. In certain embodiments, the tongue in groove configurationmay also allow for the compartments to be accessed without requiring aseparate step of opening the insert panels 128 before and/or afteropening the dispenser panel 136, as the dispenser panels 136 and insertpanels 128 may be opened substantially simultaneously.

In yet another embodiment, it is contemplated that at least a portion,and even all, of the plurality of holding compartments 112 ispermanently affixed to the dispenser body 104, such as to sidewalls 106of the dispenser body. For example, at least a portion of thecompartment walls 114 of the holding compartment 112 may be attached tothe dispenser body, such as by being adhered or otherwise bonded to thedispenser body 104, or even forming a part of a same piece with thedispenser body. In this embodiment, at least a portion and even all ofthe plurality of holding compartments 112 form a permanent part of thedispenser body 104, and so are not removable for refill of the dispenser100, unlike in the case where holding compartments are contained inremovable inserts. Instead, in this embodiment, the holding compartments112 may be individually accessed by a user for refill thereof, forexample by providing an opening 132 in the dispenser body 104 that issufficiently large to allow a user to access the holding area 110 andholding compartments 112 therein, so the compartments 112 can bere-filled with fresh pods 102, or by access via apertures 134 (e.g., byopening panels 136).

In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises at least one dispenseroutlet 116 that is configured to provide access to only a single holdingcompartment 112 at the same time. For example, as shown in theembodiment of FIG. 1, the dispenser comprises a plurality of outlets116, and each outlet allows access to only a single holding compartment112, as also shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 11A-11B, such that a pod102 loaded into the compartment 112 can be accessed for use thereof,substantially without exposing other pods in adjacent holdingcompartments 112 to the ambient environment. In the embodiment as shownin FIGS. 1 and 11, the outlets 116 comprise one or more apertures 134formed in a wall 106 of the dispenser body 106 that are sized and shapedto allow pods 102 to be dispensed therethrough. In order to access theplurality of pods 102 held by the dispenser 100, the dispenser cancomprise a plurality of individual outlets with apertures 134 such thateach holding compartment 112 is accessed by its own aperture 134. In yetanother embodiment, the dispenser 100 can comprise a dispenser outlet116 that is configured to provide access to a plurality of holdingcompartments at the same time. For example, in one embodiment, thedispenser outlets can comprise a plurality of elongated apertures 134 inthe dispenser body that expose a plurality of holding compartments 112in the interior volume 108. In this embodiment, the holding compartments112 may be separately sealed from one another, such that opening of theelongate outlet does not expose the interiors of the multiple holdingcompartments 112 adjacent a holding compartment that is targeted foraccess. For example, the holding compartments may be sealed by aperforated sealing portion of an insert strip 126 that connects theholding compartments together while also allowing for individual accessinto the holding compartments 112, as has been described above. In oneembodiment, the dispenser outlet 116 is itself sealable to inhibitpenetration of moisture into the plurality of holding compartments 112.For example, in one embodiment, the at least one dispenser outlet 116can comprise one or more openable panels 136 located on one or moresides of the dispenser, as shown for example in FIGS. 11A-11B, where thepanels may be configured to engage with the dispenser body 104 so as toinhibit the penetration of moisture through the panels 136, e.g. byforming a seal with the walls of the dispenser body. The panels 136 maybe openable via a hinge mechanism or sliding mechanism or other suitablemechanism, or may be adhered via magnetic strip or other adheringmechanism to the body 104 of the dispenser 100. In yet anotherembodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the dispenser outlet 116 may be locatedat the top or bottom of the dispenser 100. In a case where the dispenseroutlet 116 or other opening is located a top 140 or bottom 142 of thedispenser, the dispenser outlet 116 may further comprise a dispenser lid138 to cap off the outlet and inhibit the penetration of moisture intothe dispenser, as shown for example in the embodiment of FIG. 6. In yetanother embodiment, the at least one dispenser outlet 116 is rotatablewith respect to one or more of the plurality of holding compartments112, so as to provide access to individual holding compartments 112 viarotation.

In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 is configured such that theinterior volume 108 of the dispenser is substantially entirelysurrounded by the water-resistant walls of the dispenser body 104, asshown for example in the embodiment of FIG. 10. However, in yet anotherembodiment, the water-resistant walls 106 of the dispenser body 104define an opening 132 in the dispenser body 104 that is configured toprovide access for refilling of moisture-sensitive pods 102 in theplurality of holding compartments 112, as shown for example in theembodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the plurality ofholding compartments 112 are themselves sealable so as to inhibitpenetration of moisture that could enter the holding area 110 throughthe opening 132. Moreover, the plurality of holding compartments 112 maybe configured to be individually reloaded.

The dispenser 100 can be configured to optimize ease of use and toprovide a pleasant experience for a person using the dispenser todispense personal care pods 102. For example, in one embodiment, thedispenser comprises a dispenser body 104 having one or more walls 106with indentations therein, to facilitate gripping of the dispenser 100by a user, as shown for example in the embodiment of FIG. 10. In yetanother embodiment, the dispenser comprises a mounting mechanism 146 formounting the dispenser 100 to one or more of a wall and a fixture. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 8-9 and 22, the mounting mechanism 146 cancomprise a hook 148 or strap configured to hang the dispenser 100. Thedispenser 100 may also comprise a mounting mechanism 146 comprising atleast one of an adhesive strip, velcro and/or magnetic mechanism formounting to a surface, or may be free-standing (see, e.g., FIG. 7).

The liquid or gel formulations contained in the pods 102 dispensed bythe dispenser comprise at least one of personal care and cleansingformulations. For example, the formulations can comprise at least one ofshampoo, conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combinations, body wash, bodywash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel andshaving gel, as well as combinations thereof, although the formulationsare not limited to this list, and other formulations for personal careor general cleansing may be provided. The dispenser 100 according toembodiments of the invention may be configured to comprise up to 10 andeven more pods having personal care compositions therein, as describedabove, which may be the same or different compositions.

In one embodiment, the dispenser is configured to dispense pods 102having different compositions from one another. For example, theplurality of pods 102 contained by the dispenser 100 for dispensingthereof can comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a firstpersonal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod 102having a second personal care composition, the first composition beingdifferent than the second composition. According to yet anotherembodiment, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods may furthercomprise a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal carecomposition that is different than the first and second compositions. Inyet another embodiment, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods furthercomprises a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal carecomposition that is different than the first, second and thirdcompositions. For example, in one embodiment, the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having ashampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having aconditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having abody wash formulation.

According to yet another embodiment, the plurality of holdingcompartments 112 comprise a first removable insert 124 a having one ormore moisture-sensitive pods comprising a first personal carecomposition, and a second removable insert 124 b having one or moremoisture-sensitive pods comprising a second personal care composition,the first composition being different than the second composition, asshown for example in the embodiment of FIG. 2. In yet anotherembodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112 further comprisesa third removable insert 124 comprising a third personal carecomposition that is different than the first composition and the secondcomposition. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of holdingcompartments 112 further comprises a fourth removable insert 124comprising a fourth personal care composition that is different than thefirst, second, and third compositions. For example, the plurality ofholding compartments 112 can comprise a first removable insert 124having a moisture-sensitive pods comprising a shampoo formulation, asecond removable insert 124 having moisture-sensitive pods comprising aconditioner formulation, and a third removable insert havingmoisture-sensitive pods comprising a body wash formulation. In yetanother embodiment, a same insert may have a plurality of different podshaving different compositions in the same insert 124. For example, theplurality of holding compartments 112 may comprise at least oneremovable insert 124, and wherein the at least one removable insert 124comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal carecomposition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a secondpersonal care composition, the first composition being different thanthe second composition, on the same insert. In a further embodiment, thesame removable insert 124 comprises a third moisture-sensitive podhaving a third personal care composition, the third composition beingdifferent than the first and second composition, on the same insert. Inyet a further embodiment, the same removable insert 124 comprises afourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition,the fourth composition being different than the first, second and thirdcomposition, on the same insert. For example, the same removable insert124 may comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampooformulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditionerformulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body washformulation, on the same insert.

According to embodiments of the present invention, themoisture-sensitive pods that are dispensed by the dispenser comprise theliquid or gel formulations enveloped in an at least partially watersoluble film. The water-soluble film may be one that, upon exposure towater, at least partially dissolves and/or degrades, so as to releasethe contents of the moisture-sensitive pod, and in some embodiments thewater-soluble film may even entirely dissolve and/or degrade leavingonly the formulation behind (e.g., to reduce any waste and provide amore pleasant experience for the user), and/or may entirely dissolveand/or degrade substantially simultaneously with the use of theformulation. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the personal careformulations may be formulated to be have a relatively low water content(and even be substantially anhydrous), so as to preserve the integrityof the water-soluble film in which the composition is contained. In oneembodiment, the cumulative water content of the personal careformulation may be less than 20% by weight, such as less than 15% byweight and even less than 10% by weight of the personal careformulation, although the cumulative water content will generally be atleast 7.6% by weight of the personal care formulation. The water-solublefilm can comprise any suitable water-soluble material that is compatiblewith the formulation, such as a water-soluble polymer or algae-derivedmaterials. Examples of suitable water-soluble polymers include polyvinylalcohol (PVOH), poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA),polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and carboxymethylcellulose (see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 2016/0317397, GB 2118961, EP1512701 and WO 2011/094470).

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a method ofproviding a personal care liquid or gel formulation, comprisesdispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gelformulation from any of the embodiments of the dispenser 100 describedherein. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a person dispensing podsfrom the dispenser 100 may be the same person that also refills thedispenser 100, for example, when the dispenser is for home or personaluse. Alternatively, the dispenser 100 may be refilled be a separateperson, such as an employee of a hotel, spa, etc., and a customer may bethe one who dispenses pods from a pre-filled dispenser 100. For example,a hotel may fill dispensers 100 with the types of pods commonly used byhotel guests, such as shampoo, conditioner, and body-wash, making iteasy for the guest to access the appropriate pods. The dispenser 100 canbe provided with labels to identify which holding compartments and/orinserts contain what formulation, or the pods may be loaded in apre-defined order into the dispenser, or color-coded, etc., for ease ofdispensing. In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 may comprise panels 136that are at least partially and even fully transparent, so that a personcan see whether a compartment behind the panel 136 has been accessed,and/or what the compartment contents might be. For example, an insert124 may have panels 128 labelled with the contents therein, e.g.shampoo, conditioner, etc., and the labels of the panels 128 may beviewed through the at least partially transparent panels 136. A personmay also be able to tell whether a pod is in the compartment 112 or hasalready been accessed, such as for example by identifying that aperforated insert panel 128 has already been opened. Other parts of thedispenser 100 and/or strip 124 may also be labelled to indicate thecontents of compartments 112 and/or strips 124.

The following are further detailed embodiments of the invention,described with reference to FIGS. 1-22. The features such as structures,functions, compositions, etc. of the dispenser described above are alsointended to apply to the below-described embodiments, where suitable,and any features described below are likewise considered to beapplicable to other embodiments and not necessarily restricted to theparticular embodiment with reference to which they are described.

Referring to the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 2-9, the dispenser 100for dispensing moisture-sensitive pods 102 comprising personal careformulations comprises a dispenser body 104 having a base 154 and one ormore sidewalls 106 extending from the base 154 to define an interiorvolume 108. The dispenser 100 further comprises a holding area 110configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in theinterior volume 108 of the dispenser 100, the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods 102 being contained in a plurality of sealableholding compartments 112 comprising compartment walls 114 that separateeach moisture-sensitive pods 102 from one another in adjacent holdingcompartments 112. The dispenser 100 further comprises at least onedispenser opening 132 at an end 120, 122 of the dispenser body 100 thatis configured to provide access to one or more of the moisture-sensitivepods 102 in the interior volume 108. The one or more walls 106 of thedispenser body 104 inhibit the penetration of moisture into one or moreof the plurality of holding compartments 112, and eachmoisture-sensitive pod 102 is maintained in a substantiallymoisture-free environment until it is dispensed.

In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises an elongate shape, and inthe embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 has a shape that tapers in towards amiddle of the length of the dispenser 100, and flares out towards a top.Other shapes and materials may also be suitable, such as for example forergonomic reasons, or to facilitate gripping and/or for aestheticreasons. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the dispenser comprisesonly a single dispenser opening 132 located at a top 120 of thedispenser body 104, which may be used both for replacement anddispensing of pods from the dispenser (e.g., as a dispenser outlet 116).In the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 5-9, the dispenser 100 comprisesfurther dispenser outlets 116 along sidewalls 118 of the dispenser body104, and an opening at a top and/or bottom 120, 122 may be sized toaccess the interior volume for replacing and/or dispensing podstherefrom.

In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises a holding area 110 thatis configured to hold at least one removable insert 124 comprising theplurality of holding compartments 112 for the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods 102, the at least one removable insert 124 beingconfigured to be removed from the dispenser body 100 for refill and/orreplacement of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102. In oneembodiment, as shown in the FIGS. 3 and 4, the holding area 110comprises a plurality of longitudinal slots 156 configured to engagelateral sides 158 of the at least one removable insert 124. According toone embodiment, the at least one removable insert 124 comprises aplurality of holding compartments 112 positioned along an insert strip126, each holding compartment 112 configured to contain an individualmoisture-sensitive pod 102.

In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2-9, the holding area 110 isconfigured to accommodate a plurality of removable inserts 124 havingthe plurality of holding compartments 112 in the interior volume 108 ofthe dispenser 100. In another embodiment, the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods comprises up to 10 pods having personal carecompositions. For example, the plurality of pods 102 can comprising afirst moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition,and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal carecomposition, the first composition being different than the secondcomposition. In yet another embodiment, the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods further comprises a third moisture-sensitive podhaving a third personal care composition that is different than thefirst and second compositions. According to yet another embodiment, theplurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises a fourthmoisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition that isdifferent than the first, second and third compositions. In oneembodiment, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise a firstmoisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a secondmoisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a thirdmoisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation.

In yet another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2-9, the plurality ofholding compartments 112 comprise a first removable insert 124 havingone or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a first personal carecomposition, and a second removable insert 124 having one or moremoisture-sensitive pods 102 comprising a second personal carecomposition, the first composition being different than the secondcomposition. In one embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments112 further comprises a third removable insert 124 comprising a thirdpersonal care composition that is different than the first compositionand the second composition. In yet another embodiment, the plurality ofholding compartments 112 further comprises a fourth removable insert 124comprising a fourth personal care composition that is different than thefirst, second, and third compositions. In one embodiment, the dispensercomprises a first removable insert 124 having moisture-sensitive pods102 comprising a shampoo formulation, a second removable insert 124having moisture-sensitive pods 102 comprising a conditioner formulation,and a third removable insert 124 having moisture-sensitive pods 102comprising a body wash formulation. In yet another embodiment, theplurality of receiving compartments 110 comprise at least one removableinsert 124, and the at least one removable insert 124 comprises a firstmoisture-sensitive pod 102 having a first personal care composition, anda second moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a second personal carecomposition, the first composition being different than the secondcomposition, on the same insert. In a further embodiment, the insert 124comprises a third moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a third personalcare composition, the third composition being different than the firstand second composition, on the same insert. In another embodiment, theinsert further comprises a fourth moisture-sensitive pod 102 having afourth personal care composition, the fourth composition being differentthan the first, second and third composition, on the same insert 124. Inone embodiment, the at least one removable insert 124 comprises a firstmoisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a secondmoisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a thirdmoisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation, on the sameinsert 124.

In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the at least one dispenser opening132 is sized and configured to provide access to multiple removableinserts 124 at a same time. For example, the dispenser opening 132 maybe configured to provide access to the receiving area for refill of oneor more of the plurality of removable inserts in the dispenser. The atleast one dispenser opening 132 can be located in opposing relation tothe base 154 of the dispenser body 100. In one embodiment, at least onedispenser opening 132 is located in the base 154 of the dispenser body.In another embodiment, the at least one dispenser opening 132 comprisesa lid 138 that is closeable to cover the opening, for example as shownin the embodiment of FIG. 6. The at least one dispenser opening mayfurther be sealable to inhibit penetration of moisture into theplurality of holding compartments 112.

In the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 3-9, the interior volume 108 issubstantially entirely surrounded by the water-resistant walls 106 ofthe dispenser body 100. The dispenser can further comprise a mountingmechanism 146 for mounting the dispenser 100 to one or more of a walland a fixture, as shown in FIGS. 8-9. In one embodiment, the mountingmechanism 146 comprises a hook 148 or strap configured to hang thedispenser 100. The mounting mechanism can also comprise at least one ofan adhesive strip, velcro and/or magnetic mechanism for mounting to asurface, and/or the dispenser may be free-standing, as shown in FIG. 7.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of holding compartments 112 issecured to a wall 106 of the dispenser 100. Furthermore, as shown in theembodiments of FIGS. 3-4, each of the plurality of holding compartments112 can be secured to the wall 106 of the dispenser 100 by way of atongue-in-groove configuration, such as any of the tongue-in-grooveconfigurations described above.

In one embodiment, the dispensers 100 as shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 2-9 are configured to dispense pods having liquid or gelformulations are at least one of personal care and cleansingformulations. For example, the formulations comprise at least one ofshampoo, conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combinations, body wash, bodywash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel andshaving gel. Further, the moisture-sensitive pods 102 can comprise theliquid or gel formulations enveloped in an at least partially watersoluble film, as has been discussed above, such as a water soluble filmcomprising a water soluble polymer. Generally, an embodiment of a methodof providing a personal care liquid or gel formulation can comprisedispensing a moisture-sensitive pod 102 comprising the liquid or gelformulation from the dispenser according to any of the embodiments asshown in FIGS. 2-9.

In one embodiment, an insert 124 adapted for use in the dispenser 100according to any embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 14-22 comprises aplurality of compartments 112, each compartment 112 configured to housea single moisture-sensitive pod 102 containing a personal care liquid orgel concentrate formulation, each compartment further adapted tomaintain each moisture-sensitive pod in a substantially moisture-freeenvironment and each compartment 112 configured to allow access to eachpod on an individual basis without impacting the moisture-freeenvironment of adjacent compartments 112.

Referring to the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 10-13, a dispenser fordispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personalcare liquid or gel formulations comprises a dispenser body 104 having abase 154 and one or more sidewalls 118 extending from the base to definean interior volume 108. The dispenser 100 comprises a holding area 110configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102 in theinterior volume 108 of the dispenser 100. The plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods 102 held in the holding area 110 are containedin a plurality of sealable holding compartments 112 comprisingcompartment walls 114 that separate each moisture-sensitive pod 102 fromone another in adjacent holding compartments 112. The dispenser 100further comprises dispenser outlets 116 comprising a plurality ofapertures 134 formed in the one or more sidewalls 118, and configured todispense moisture-sensitive pods 102 from at least one of the pluralityof holding compartments 112. The one or more walls 118 of the dispenserbody 100 inhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume108 of the dispenser 100, and each moisture-sensitive pod 102 ismaintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it isdispensed.

In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 10, the dispenser body 100 has anelongated shape. The dispenser body 100 further comprises indentations144 in sidewalls 118 thereof therein to facilitate gripping of thedispenser 100. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 10, indentations 144comprise plural elongate indentations formed in the sidewalls 118 abouta central axis 150 of the dispenser body 104, and extending at least aportion of the distance from a top of the sidewalls 118 to the base 154.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the plurality of holdingcompartments 112 comprise at least one removable insert 124 configuredto be removed from the dispenser body 100 for refill of the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods 102. In one embodiment, the at least oneremovable insert 124 comprises a plurality of sealable holdingcompartments 112 positioned along an insert strip 126, each sealableholding compartment 112 configured to contain an individualmoisture-sensitive pod 102. In one embodiment, the holding area 110 isconfigured to accommodate a plurality of removable inserts 124 havingthe plurality of holding compartments in the interior volume of thedispenser. In another embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments112 are each configured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod102, which is maintained in a substantially moisture free environmentuntil accessed.

In one embodiment, the dispenser comprises a holding area 110 withcompartment walls 114 that are attached to at least a portion of thedispenser body 104. For example, although not shown in FIGS. 10-13, theholding area 110 can comprises a plurality of longitudinal slots 156configured to engage lateral sides 158 of at least one removable insert124, such as is shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1. In yetanother embodiment, each of the plurality of holding compartments 112 issecured to a wall 118 of the dispenser 100, such as for example by wayof a tongue-in-groove configuration, including any of thetongue-in-groove configurations described above. For example, thetongue-in-groove configuration can form a part of the dispenser panels136 that can be opened to individually access the compartments 112. Forexample, referring to FIGS. 11A-11B, the means for securing the insert124 can comprise longitudinal slots 156 (e.g., grooves), that engagewith the lateral sides 158 of the insert 124, with each panel 136 havingits own independent tongue-in-groove configuration with slots 156 thatare independent of the slots 156 of other panels 136. That is, thepanels 136 may have an extending structure 137 that extends away from asurface of the panel 136 facing the insert, and that hooks around andforms a channel (the slot 156) for receiving a side 158 of the insert.Each panel 136 may have its own separate extending structures 137 and/orhooking means for separately engaging the adjacent lip or lateral sideof the insert. Accordingly, an insert panel 128 can be opened to accessan individual compartment by opening the dispenser panel 136, as openingof the panel 136 simultaneously engages the lateral side 158 of theinsert, causing the panel 128 to open via tearing or lifting of thelateral side 158 away from the rest of the insert body, such as forexample by tearing along perforated lines formed in an insert strip 126.Thus, the tongue-in-groove configuration can provide for securing of aninsert to the dispenser body, and may also provide for individual accessto each of the compartments by opening the panels 136, without exposingadjacent compartments. In certain embodiments, the tongue in grooveconfiguration may also allow for the compartments to be accessed withoutrequiring a separate step of opening the insert panels 128 before and/orafter opening the dispenser panel 136, as the dispenser panels 136 andinsert panels 128 may be opened substantially simultaneously.

In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 10-11 and 13, the holdingcompartments 112 comprise a series of compartments 112 extending alongthe sidewalls 118 between the base 154 and a top 120 of the dispenserbody 104, each compartment 112 being adjacent to at least one aperture134 of the plurality of apertures 134. In one embodiment, the dispenseroutlets 116 are configured to provide access to only a single holdingcompartment 112 via an aperture 134 at a same time. In a furtherembodiment, the dispenser outlets 116 comprise panels 136 that areopenable to expose an aperture 134 and a compartment 112 adjacent theaperture 134, as shown in FIGS. 10-11 and 13. In one embodiment, thepanels 136 are sealable to inhibit the penetration of moisture into theholding compartments 112.

Referring to FIGS. 11A-11B, it can be seen that in one embodiment apanel 136 of a dispenser outlet 116 may be simultaneously openable witha compartment panel 128 of a holding compartment 112. For example, thecompartment panel 128 of the holding compartment may be attached oradhered to the outer panel 136 of the dispenser body outlet, such thatopening of the exterior panel 136 also results in opening of thecompartment panel 128 leading to the holding compartment. Thesimultaneous action of the exterior panel 136 and compartment panel 128may be achieved, for example, by applying an adhesive to one or more ofthe interior surface of the panel 136 or exterior surface of thecompartment panel 128. The panels 128, 136 may also be made to sticktogether through magnetic means, Velcro, or other adhesive means. In oneembodiment, insertion and placement of the insert 124 in the dispenserbody aligns with compartment panels 128 with the outer panels 136, and apiercing portion located on an inner surface of the outer panel at leastpartially pierces the compartment panel 128 to adhere the panels 128,136 together. While the panels 128, 136 may be made to simultaneouslyopen, in other embodiments the panels 128, 136 may be opened separatelyfrom one another.

In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 10-11 and 13, the dispenser outlets116 comprise a column 160 of apertures 134 extending along the sidewalls118 at least a portion of the distance from the base 154 of thedispenser body 104 to a top end 120 of the dispense body 104 opposingthe base 154. In one embodiment, multiple columns 160 of apertures 134are formed on sidewalls 118 of the dispenser body 100 about a centralaxis 150 of the dispenser 100. Furthermore, the dispenser 100 cancomprise one or more elongate indentations 144 formed about the centralaxis 150 and in between the columns 160 of apertures 134.

In the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 10-13, the plurality of holdingcompartments comprise at least one removable insert 124, and theremovable insert 124 comprises an openable panel 128 that allows foraccess of a moisture-sensitive pod 120 in a holding compartment 112 ofthe insert 124 via an aperture 134 of the dispenser outlet 116. In oneembodiment, the at least one dispenser outlet 116 comprises a pluralityof elongated apertures 134 in the dispenser body 104 configured toexpose a plurality of openable panels 128 of the at least one removableinsert 124. As discussed above, when the apertures 134 are configured toexpose a plurality of openable panels 128 of the insert 124, the panels128 may be configured to be separately sealable such that opening of onepanel 128 does not expose adjacent pods 102 behind other panels 128.

According to yet another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 10-13, thedispense comprises an opening 132 formed in the dispenser body 104 toallow for access to the interior volume 108 of the dispenser 100 forreplacement of at least one removable insert 124. In one embodiment, theopening 132 is formed at a top end 120 of the dispenser body 104opposing the base 154, as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13.In another embodiment, the opening 132 is formed in the base 154. Inanother embodiment as shown in FIG. 13, the dispenser 100 comprises alid 138 to cover the refill opening 132. Furthermore, in the embodimentsas shown in FIGS. 10-11 and 13, the interior volume 108 is substantiallyentirely surrounded by the water-resistant walls 118 of the dispenserbody 104, optionally including the lid 138 to cover an opening 132formed in the dispenser body 100.

Although not shown in FIGS. 10-13, the dispenser 100 may furthercomprise a mounting mechanism 146 for mounting the dispenser to one ormore of a wall and a fixture, for example as shown in the embodimentsdepicted in FIGS. 8-9 and 22. For example, the mounting mechanism 146can comprise a hook 148 or strap configured to hang the dispenser 100.In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism 146 comprises at least one ofan adhesive strip, velcro and/or magnetic mechanism for mounting to asurface, or the dispenser 100 can be free-standing, as shown in theembodiments of FIGS. 10-11 and 13.

As discussed above, the dispenser 100 as shown in the embodimentsdepicted in FIGS. 10-13 may be configured to dispense liquid or gelformulations that are at least one of personal care and cleansingformulations. For example, the formulations can comprise at least one ofshampoo, conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combination, body wash,body-wash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower geland shaving gel. Furthermore, the plurality of moisture-sensitive podscan comprise up to 10 pods having personal care compositions. Forexample, the plurality of pods comprising a first moisture-sensitive pod102 having a first personal care composition, and a secondmoisture-sensitive pod 102 having a second personal care composition,the first composition being different than the second composition. Inyet another embodiment, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102further comprises a third moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a thirdpersonal care composition that is different than the first and secondcompositions. In yet another embodiment, the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods 102 further comprises a fourthmoisture-sensitive pod 102 having a fourth personal care compositionthat is different than the first, second and third compositions. Forexample, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102 can comprise afirst moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a shampoo formulation, a secondmoisture-sensitive pod 102 having a conditioner formulation, and a thirdmoisture-sensitive pod 102 having a body wash formulation.

In one embodiment, such as for example the embodiment depicted in FIG.12, the dispenser 100 can comprise a plurality of holding compartmentshaving a first removable insert 124 having one or moremoisture-sensitive pods 102 comprising a first personal carecomposition, and a second removable insert 124 having one or moremoisture-sensitive pods 102 comprising a second personal carecomposition, the first composition being different than the secondcomposition. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of holdingcompartments 112 further comprises a third removable insert 124comprising a third personal care composition that is different than thefirst composition and the second composition. In yet another embodiment,the plurality of holding compartments 112 further comprises a fourthremovable insert 124 comprising a fourth personal care composition thatis different than the first, second, and third compositions. Forexample, in one embodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises a firstremovable insert 124 having a moisture-sensitive pods 102 comprising ashampoo formulation, a second removable insert 124 havingmoisture-sensitive pods 102 comprising a conditioner formulation, and athird removable insert 124 having moisture-sensitive pods 102 comprisinga body wash formulation.

In yet another embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112comprise at least one removable insert 124, and wherein the at least oneremovable insert 124 comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod 102 havinga first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod102 having a second personal care composition, the first compositionbeing different than the second composition, on the same insert 124. Ina further embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112comprises a third moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a third personalcare composition, the third composition being different than the firstand second composition, on the same insert 124. Further, the pluralityof holding compartments 112 can have a fourth moisture-sensitive pod 102having a fourth personal care composition, the fourth composition beingdifferent than the first, second and third composition, on the sameinsert 124. For example, in one embodiment the at least one removableinsert 124 comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a shampooformulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a conditionerformulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a body washformulation, on the same insert 124.

As discussed above, the moisture-sensitive pods 102 comprise the liquidor gel formulations enveloped in an at least partially water solublefilm, such as a water soluble film comprising a water-soluble polymer.Generally speaking, method of providing a personal care liquid or gelformulation can comprise dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod 102comprising the liquid or gel formulation from a dispenser correspondingto any of the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 10-13.

In one embodiment, an insert 124 adapted for use in the dispenser 100according to any embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 10-23 comprises aplurality of compartments 112, each compartment 112 configured to housea single moisture-sensitive pod 102 containing a personal care liquid orgel concentrate formulation, each compartment further adapted tomaintain each moisture-sensitive pod in a substantially moisture-freeenvironment and each compartment 112 configured to allow access to eachpod on an individual basis without impacting the moisture-freeenvironment of adjacent compartments 112.

Referring to the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-9, the dispenser100 for dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containingpersonal care liquid or gel formulations comprises a dispenser body 104having one or more sidewalls 118 that at least partially define aninterior volume 108 thereof. The dispenser 100 comprises a holding area110 configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102 in theinterior volume 108 of the dispenser 100. The plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods 102 held in the holding area 110 are containedin a plurality of sealable holding compartments 112 comprisingcompartment walls 114 that separate each moisture-sensitive pod 102 fromone another in adjacent holding compartments 112. In the embodiment asshown in FIGS. 1 and 3-9, the dispenser 100 comprises dispenser outlets116 comprising a plurality of apertures 134 formed along the one or moresidewalls 118 and configured to dispense moisture-sensitive pods from atleast one of the plurality of holding compartments 112. The one or moresidewalls 118 of the dispenser body 104 inhibit the penetration ofmoisture into the interior volume of the dispenser, and eachmoisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-freeenvironment until it is dispensed.

In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-9, the dispenser body 109comprises an elongate shape. Furthermore, in the embodiment as shown inFIG. 1, the one or more sidewalls 118 further form an arcuate shapeabout the interior volume. Furthermore, in the embodiment as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, the dispenser 100 comprises one or more sidewalls 118 atleast partially surrounding a central axis 150 of the interior volume108, and the one or more sidewalls 118 define an opening 132 betweenopposing edges 152 a,b thereof. The opening 132 defined by the opposingedges 152 a,b of the one or more sidewalls 118 is configured to provideaccess for replacement of moisture-sensitive pods in the plurality ofholding compartments 112. In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS.5-9, the dispenser comprises sidewalls 118 that entirely surround thecentral axis 150 of the interior volume.

In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises a dispenser body 104 thatis open at opposing ends 120, 122 of the interior volume 108. In anotherembodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises at least one end of thedispenser body 104 that is configured to be closeable.

In one embodiment, such as form example as depicted in the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 1, 3-4 and 6, the plurality of holding compartments 112comprise at least one removable insert 124 configured to be removed fromthe dispenser body 104 for replacement of the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods. In one embodiment, the at least one removableinsert 124 comprises a plurality of holding compartments 112 positionedalong an insert strip 126, each holding compartment 112 configured tocontain an individual moisture-sensitive pod 102. In another embodiment,the holding area 110 is configured to accommodate a plurality ofremovable inserts 124 having the plurality of holding compartments 112in the interior volume 108 of the dispenser 100. In another embodiment,the plurality of holding compartments 120 are each configured to containan individual moisture-sensitive pod 102 in a substantiallymoisture-free environment.

In one embodiment as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3-4, the holding area110 comprises compartment walls 114 that are attached to at least aportion of the dispenser body 104. For example, as depicted in theembodiments shown in FIGS. 3-4, the holding area 110 can comprises aplurality of longitudinal slots 156 configured to engage lateral sides158 of at least one removable insert 124. In yet another embodiment,each of the plurality of holding compartments 112 is secured to a wall118 of the dispenser 100. For example, each of the plurality of holdingcompartments 112 can be secured to the wall 118 of the dispenser 100 byway of a tongue-in-groove configuration, such as any of those describedabove. For example, the tongue-in-groove configuration can form a partof the dispenser panels 136 that can be opened to individually accessthe compartments 112. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the means forsecuring the insert 124 can comprise longitudinal slots 156 (e.g.,grooves), that engage with the lateral sides 158 of the insert 124, witheach panel 136 having its own independent tongue-in-groove configurationwith slots 156 that are independent of the slots 156 of other panels136. That is, the panels 136 may have an extending structure 137 thatextends away from a surface of the panel 136 facing the insert, and thathooks around and forms a channel (the slot 156) for receiving a side 158of the insert. Each panel 136 may have its own separate extendingstructures 137 and/or hooking means for separately engaging the adjacentlip or lateral side of the insert. Accordingly, an insert panel 128 canbe opened to access an individual compartment by opening the dispenserpanel 136, as opening of the panel 136 simultaneously engages thelateral side 158 of the insert, causing the panel 128 to open viatearing or lifting of the lateral side 158 away from the rest of theinsert body, such as for example by tearing along perforated linesformed in an insert strip 126. Thus, the tongue-in-groove configurationcan provide for securing of an insert to the dispenser body, and mayalso provide for individual access to each of the compartments byopening the panels 136, without exposing adjacent compartments. Incertain embodiments, the tongue in groove configuration may also allowfor the compartments to be accessed without requiring a separate step ofopening the insert panels 128 before and/or after opening the dispenserpanel 136, as the dispenser panels 136 and insert panels 128 may beopened substantially simultaneously.

In the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-9, the holding compartments12 comprise a series of compartments 112 extending along the sidewalls118 between opposing ends 120, 122 of the dispenser body 104, eachcompartment 112 being adjacent to at least one aperture 134 of theplurality of apertures 134. Further, dispenser outlets 116 may in oneembodiment be configured to provide access to only a single holdingcompartment 112 via an aperture 134 at the same time. In one embodiment,the dispenser outlets 116 comprise panels 136 that are openable toexpose an aperture 134 and a compartment 112 adjacent the aperture 134.The panels 136 may be sealable to inhibit the penetration of moistureinto the holding compartments 112.

In the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5-9, the dispenser outlets116 comprise a column 160 of apertures 134 extending along the sidewalls118 at least a portion of the distance between opposing ends 120, 122 ofthe dispenser body 104. For example, multiple columns 160 of apertures134 may be formed on sidewalls 118 of the dispenser body 100 about acentral axis 160 of the dispenser 100, as shown in the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 1 and 3, or may be formed on a front face 162 of thedispenser body, as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5-9. In theembodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the multiple columns 160 ofapertures 134 are formed on a side of the sidewalls 118 opposite theopening 132 defined by the opposing edges 152 a, b of the sidewalls 118.

In one embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112 comprise atleast one removable insert 124, and the removable insert 124 comprisesan openable panel 128 that allows for access of a moisture-sensitive podin a holding compartment 112 of the insert 124 via an aperture 134 ofthe dispenser outlet 116. In another embodiment, the at least onedispenser outlet 116 comprises a plurality of elongated apertures in thedispenser body 100 configured to expose a plurality of openable panels128 of the at least one removable insert 24. In this embodiment, theopenable panels may be separately sealable such that holdingcompartments 112 that behind the elongate aperture are not exposed tomoisture when an adjacent holding compartment 112 is opened.

As shown in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 8-9, the dispenser cancomprise a mounting mechanism 146 for mounting the dispenser 100 to oneor more of a wall and a fixture. For example, the mounting mechanism 146can comprise a hook 148 or strap configured to hang the dispenser 100therefrom. In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism comprises at leastone of an adhesive strip, velcro and/or magnetic mechanism for mountingto a surface. In another embodiment, the dispenser is free-standing, asshown in FIG. 7.

As discussed above, the dispenser embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3-9 may beconfigured to dispense liquid or gel formulations that are at least oneof personal care and cleansing formulations. For example, theformulations can comprise at least one of shampoo, conditioner,shampoo-conditioner combination, body wash, body wash-shampoocombinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel and shaving gel.

In the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3-9, the dispenser 100 cancontain and dispense up to 10 pods having personal care compositions.For example, the plurality of pods 102 can comprise a firstmoisture-sensitive pod 102 having a first personal care composition, anda second moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a second personal carecomposition, the first composition being different than the secondcomposition. Furthermore, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods canfurther comprise a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personalcare composition that is different than the first and secondcompositions. Even further, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102can further comprise a fourth moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a fourthpersonal care composition that is different than the first, second andthird compositions. In one embodiment, the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods 102 comprise a first moisture-sensitive podhaving a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having aconditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having abody wash formulation.

In the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3-9, the plurality ofholding compartments 112 can comprise a first removable insert 124having one or more moisture-sensitive pods 102 comprising a firstpersonal care composition, and a second removable insert 124 having oneor more moisture-sensitive pods 102 comprising a second personal carecomposition, the first composition being different than the secondcomposition. Furthermore, the plurality of holding compartments 112 canfurther comprise a third removable insert 124 comprising a thirdpersonal care composition that is different than the first compositionand the second composition. Even further, the plurality of holdingcompartments 112 can further comprise a fourth removable insert 124comprising a fourth personal care composition that is different than thefirst, second, and third compositions. For example, the plurality ofinserts can comprise a first removable insert having moisture-sensitivepods 102 comprising a shampoo formulation, a second removable inserthaving moisture-sensitive pods 102 comprising a conditioner formulation,and a third removable insert having moisture-sensitive pods 102comprising a body wash formulation.

In yet another embodiment, the plurality of holding compartmentscomprise at least one removable insert 124, and wherein the at least oneremovable insert 124 comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod 102 havinga first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod102 having a second personal care composition, the first compositionbeing different than the second composition, on the same insert 124.Further, the insert can comprise a third moisture-sensitive pod 102having a third personal care composition, the third composition beingdifferent than the first and second composition, on the same insert 124.Even further, insert can comprise a fourth moisture-sensitive pod 102having a fourth personal care composition, the fourth composition beingdifferent than the first, second and third composition, on the sameinsert. For example, the at least one removable insert can comprise afirst moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a shampoo formulation, a secondmoisture-sensitive pod 102 having a conditioner formulation, and a thirdmoisture-sensitive pod 102 having a body wash formulation, on the sameinsert 124.

As discussed above, the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-9 cancomprise moisture-sensitive pods 102 comprise the liquid or gelformulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film, suchas a water-soluble film comprising a water-soluble polymer. Accordingly,a general method of providing a personal care liquid or gel formulationcomprises dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid orgel formulation from the dispenser according to any of the embodimentsas depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3-9.

In one embodiment, an insert 124 adapted for use in the dispenser 100according to any embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3-9 comprises aplurality of compartments 112, each compartment 112 configured to housea single moisture-sensitive pod 102 containing a personal care liquid orgel concentrate formulation, each compartment further adapted tomaintain each moisture-sensitive pod in a substantially moisture-freeenvironment and each compartment 112 configured to allow access to eachpod on an individual basis without impacting the moisture-freeenvironment of adjacent compartments 112.

Referring to the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 14-22, the dispenser 100for dispensing the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102 containingpersonal care liquid or gel formulations comprises a dispenser body 104having one or more water-resistant walls 106 at least partially definingan interior volume 108 of the dispenser 100. The dispenser comprises aholding area 110 configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitivepods 102 in the interior volume 108 of the dispenser 100, wherein theplurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102 held in the holding area 110are contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments 112 atleast partially encircling a central axis 150 of the interior volume108, the plurality of sealable holding compartments 112 comprisingcompartment walls 114 that separate each moisture-sensitive pod 102 fromone another in adjacent holding compartments 112. The dispenser 100further comprises at least one dispenser outlet 116 configured todispense a moisture-sensitive pod 102 from at least one of the pluralityof holding compartments 112, The one or more walls 106 of the dispenserbody 104 inhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume108 of the dispenser 100, and each moisture-sensitive pod 102 ismaintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it isdispensed.

In certain embodiments, the dispenser 100 as shown in FIGS. 14-22 may beparticularly well-suited for travel, due to its portability andconvenience. FIG. 19 demonstrates how embodiments of the dispenser 100can be made to be carried comfortably by hand, and with a compact shapethat lends itself well to stowing on luggage and bags. In theembodiments as shown in FIGS. 14-22, the dispenser body 104 has arounded shape. FIGS. 14-22 further depict embodiments where thedispenser body 104 has a disc shape.

In one embodiment, for example as depicted in FIG. 14, the at least onedispenser outlet 116 comprises an aperture 134 formed in a sidewall 118of the dispenser body 104, the sidewall 114 extending about the centralaxis 150 of the interior volume 108. Furthermore, according to yetanother embodiment, the at least one dispenser outlet 116 can comprisesa plurality of apertures 134 in a sidewall 118 of the dispenser body 104and at least partially encircling the central axis 150 of the interiorvolume 108, so as to provide access to individual holding compartments112 in communication with each aperture 134.

In one embodiment, the at least one dispenser outlet 116 is rotatablewith respect to one or more of the plurality of holding compartments112, so as to provide access to individual holding compartments 112 viarotation. For example, in one embodiment as shown in FIG. 18, the one ormore holding compartments 112 comprise an annular carousel 164 having aplurality of segmented chambers 166 at least partially encircling thecentral axis 150. In another embodiment, the annular carousel 164 withsegmented chambers 166 as depicted in FIG. 18 is not rotatable. However,in yet another embodiment, the dispenser outlet 116 is rotatable withrespect to the annular carousel 164 by rotation of the sidewall 118about the central axis 150. For example, a user may rotate the sidewall118 with respect to the central axis 150 to rotate the dispenser outlet116 with respect to the compartments 112. In yet another embodiment, thedispenser outlet 116 is rotatable with respect to the annular carousel164 by rotation of the carousel 164 about the central axis. That is, auser may rotate the carousel 164 itself about the central axis, so as torotate the compartments 112 with respect to the dispenser outlet 116.

In one embodiment, the dispenser body can comprise a tongue-in-grooveconfirmation to retain the an insert 124 inside the dispenser body 104,and/or to provide separately openable compartments that can be openedwithout opening adjacent compartments. For example, the tongue in grooveconfiguration may be any described above, where slots 156 are providedto one or more engage sides 158 and/or to engage insert panels 128. Inone embodiment, the tongue-in-groove configuration can form a part ofthe dispenser panels 136 that can be opened to individually access thecompartments 112. For example, referring to FIG. 18, the means forsecuring the insert 124 can comprise one or more longitudinal slots 156(e.g., grooves), that engage with the lateral sides 158 and/or panels128 of the insert 124, with each panel 136 having its own independenttongue-in-groove configuration with slots 156 that are independent ofthe slots 156 of other panels 136. That is, each of the individualpanels 136 may have an extending structure 137 (e.g., as shown in FIG.3) that extends away from a surface of the panel 136 facing the insert,and that hooks around and forms a channel (the slot 156) for receiving aside 158 of the insert and/or panel 128. However, in the embodimentshown in FIG. 18, the insert 124 has an annular shape, as opposed to thelongitudinal strips as shown, e.g., in FIG. 3. Accordingly, in order toengage sides 158 of the insert panels 128 with the slots 156 formed bythe extending structures 137 of the dispenser body panels 136, accordingto one aspect the insert 124 may be inserted into a portion of thedispenser body having the panels 136, and the insert 124 may be slightlyrotated to insert the panel sides 158 of the individual insert panels128 into the slots 156 formed in the dispense body panels 136. That is,the slots 156 are formed in the dispenser body panels 136 such that theyeach individually engage one of a plurality of insert panels 128 thatare distributed circumferentially about a perimeter of the annularinsert. Furthermore, the sides 158 of the insert panels 128 that may beengaged by the slots and/or tongue-in-groove mechanism of the dispenserpanels 136 may be located at discrete positions circumferentially aboutthe perimeter of the annular insert, such as vertical sides of thepanels as shown in FIG. 18 (e.g., such that the insert panel opens in adirection of curvature of the annular insert), and/or the dispenserpanels 136 may be configured to engage one or more of the top and/orbottom annular edges of the insert, e.g. as in the longitudinal insertas shown in FIG. 3 but as formed into annular shape (e.g., such that theinsert panel opens in a vertical and/or orthogonal direction to thedirection of curvature of the annular insert). Other configurations mayalso be provided. Furthermore, each panel 136 may have its own separateextending structures 137 and/or hooking means for separately engagingthe adjacent lip or lateral side of the insert, and which is separatefrom extending structures 137 and/or slots of other panels. Accordingly,an insert panel 128 can be opened to access an individual compartment byopening the dispenser panel 136, as opening of the panel 136simultaneously engages the lateral side 158 of the insert, causing thepanel 128 to open via tearing or lifting of the lateral side 158 awayfrom the rest of the insert body, such as for example by tearing alongperforated lines 159 formed along a circumference of the insert 124.Thus, the tongue-in-groove configuration can provide for securing of aninsert to the dispenser body, and may also provide for individual accessto each of the compartments by opening the panels 136, without exposingadjacent compartments. In certain embodiments, the tongue in grooveconfiguration may also allow for the compartments to be accessed withoutrequiring a separate step of opening the insert panels 128 before and/orafter opening the dispenser panel 136, as the dispenser panels 136 andinsert panels 128 may be opened substantially simultaneously.

In one embodiment, for example as depicted in FIG. 18, the plurality ofsegmented chambers 166 of the annular carousel 164 comprise radiallyextending chamber sidewalls 114, to separate individualmoisture-sensitive pods 102 in each segmented chamber 166. In yetanother embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112 compriseat least one removable insert 124 configured to be removed from thedispenser body 104 for replacement of the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods, for example as shown in the embodiment depictedin FIG. 18. For example, the at least one removable insert 124 cancomprise an annular carousel 164 having a plurality of segmentedchambers 166 that is configured to be positioned about the central axis150 of the interior volume 108, each segmented chamber 166 beingconfigured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod 102.

In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises a holding area configuredto accommodate a plurality of removable inserts 124 having the annularcarousel 164 in the interior volume 108 of the dispenser 100. In anotherembodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112 comprise aplurality of inserts 124 comprising the holding compartments 112, andthe inserts are configured to be positioned in a pattern that at leastpartially encircles the central axis 150 of the interior volume 108.

In one embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112 comprise atleast one annular insert 124 having a plurality of segmented chambers atleast partially encircling the central axis 150 of the interior volume.In yet another embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112comprise a plurality of inserts 124 each configured to be arranged to atleast partially encircle the central axis 150 of the interior volume,and to protect the moisture-sensitive pods from moisture. The annularinserts may similarly comprise perforations to allow for opening of thepanels 128 about a circumference of the inserts.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the compartment walls 114 ofthe plurality of holding compartments 112 are attached one or more walls106 of the dispenser body 100. In yet another embodiment as depicted inFIG. 14, the sidewalls 118 of the dispenser body 104 are at leastpartially curved at opposing ends 120, 122 of the body 104 to at leastpartially contain an annular carousel 164 comprising segmented chambers166 in the interior volume 108.

In one embodiment, the at least one dispenser outlet 116 is configuredto provide access to only a single holding compartment 112 at the sametime. In yet another embodiment, the at least one dispenser outlet 116is configured to provide access to a plurality of holding compartments112 at the same time. Furthermore, the at least one dispenser outlet 116may be sealable to inhibit penetration of moisture into the plurality ofholding compartments. Furthermore, in the embodiments as shown in inFIGS. 16-19, the dispenser 100 comprises a plurality of dispenseroutlets 116 at least partially encircling the central axis 150, and eachoutlet having a closeable panel 136 to close off and protect a holdingcompartment 112 located behind the panel 136.

According to one embodiment, the dispenser body comprises at least onedispenser opening 132 which comprises a dispenser lid 138 located at atop 120 or bottom 122 of the dispenser 100. In yet another embodiment,the dispenser body 104 is resealably openable at one or more opposingends 120, 122 thereof. In one embodiment, the at least one dispenseroutlet 116 comprises one or more openable panels 136. In yet anotherembodiment, the interior volume 108 is substantially entirely surroundedby the water-resistant walls 106 of the dispenser body 104. In anotherembodiment, an opening 132 at one or more opposing ends 120, 122 of thedispenser body 104 is configured to provide access for replacement ofmoisture-sensitive pods in the plurality of holding compartments 112.

In one embodiment as shown for example in FIG. 20-22, the dispensercomprises a mounting mechanism 146 for mounting the dispenser 100 to oneor more of a wall and a fixture. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, themounting mechanism 146 can comprise a hook 148 or strap configured tohang the dispenser 100 therefrom. In yet another embodiment, a carrier168 is provided to hold a plurality of dispensers 100 in a stackedformation, as shown in FIGS. 20-22. For example, the dispenser body 104may be configured to be stacked vertically with other dispensers, eitherin contact with the other dispensers or in a carrier 168 with shelvesfor receiving the dispensers, as shown in FIG. 20. The dispenser body104 may also be configured to be stacked horizontally, either in contactwith one or more other dispensers, and/or in a carrier 168 configured toassist with stacking, as shown in FIGS. 21-22. In yet anotherembodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises a mounting mechanism comprisesat least one of an adhesive strip, velcro and/or magnetic mechanism formounting to a surface, or the dispenser may be free-standing.

In one embodiment, referring again to FIGS. 15-16, the dispensers 100may themselves be configured to be stackable by attaching to oneanother. For example, one or more of a top surface 200 a of thedispenser body 104 and the bottom surface 200 b of the dispenser bodymay comprise a connector 201 that is configured to connect one dispenserbody 104 of one dispenser 100 to another dispenser body 104 of anotherdispenser 100, such that the dispensers 104 can be stacked together in astable manner. As examples, the surfaces 200 a, 200 b may comprise aconnector 201 that is complimentary to a connector on another dispenserbody, such as a knob and/or complimentary indentation that allows forconnection via a click-in attachments, complimentary screw-inattachments, or even Velcro or other releasable adhesive, such that eachdispenser body 104 can be releasably attached to another dispenser body.In one embodiment, the dispensers 100 can be attached to one another toform an overall bottle shape, such as for example to fit on shower andsink ledges that are normally sized to accommodate bottles for personalcare products. For example, a “bottle” shaped stack of such dispenserscould comprise 3 dispensers 100 of body wash, 3 of shampoo, and 3 ofconditioner. Alternatively, the stacks of inserts 124 and/or dispensers100 could be stacked inside a separate exterior bottle container, orcould be stacked onto an interior dowel or rod, e.g. with a base and ahook, to improve the stability of the stack.

In one embodiment, the dispenser body 104 is configured to be stackablewith other dispensers 100 having the same or different personal careformulations. For example, in one embodiment, the dispenser body 104 isstackable to form a personal care system 170 having two or moredispensers 100, the dispensers having the same or differentcompositions. In one embodiment, the personal care system 170 comprisesthree dispensers 100, a first dispenser with moisture-sensitive pods 102comprising shampoo, a second dispenser 100 with moisture-sensitive pods102 comprising conditioner, and a third dispenser 100 withmoisture-sensitive pods 102 comprising body wash. In yet anotherembodiment, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102 in the samedispenser 100 can comprise the same or different personal careformulations.

As discussed above, the dispenser embodiments as shown in FIGS. 14-22may be configured to dispense liquid or gel formulations that are atleast one of personal care and cleansing formulations. In oneembodiment, the formulations comprise at least one of shampoo,conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combination, body wash, bodywash-shampoo combinations, soap, shower gel, face wash, face scrub, andshaving gel. As also discussed above, the moisture-sensitive pods cancomprise the liquid or gel formulations enveloped in an at leastpartially water soluble film, such as a water-soluble film comprising awater soluble polymer. Accordingly, a general method for providing apersonal care liquid or gel formulation comprises dispensing amoisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gel formulation from thedispenser embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 14-22.

Referring to FIGS. 23-35C, yet another embodiment of a dispenser 100 isshown. In this embodiment, similarly to the dispensers described above,a dispenser 100 is provided for dispensing a plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods 102 containing personal care liquid or gelformulations. The dispenser 100 comprises a dispenser body 104 havingone or more water-resistant walls 118 at least partially defining aninterior volume 108 of the dispenser. The dispenser further comprises aholding area 110 configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitivepods 102 in the interior volume 108 of the dispenser 100. The pluralityof moisture-sensitive pods 102 held in the holding area 110 arecontained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments 112 comprisingcompartment walls 114 that separate each moisture-sensitive pod 102 fromone another in adjacent holding compartments 112. The dispenser 100further comprises at least one dispenser outlet 116 configured todispense a moisture-sensitive pod 102 that is ejected from at least oneof the plurality of holding compartments 112 into the interior volume108. In the embodiments as shown, the one or more water-resistant walls118 comprise a plurality of selection regions 180 formed therein, eachselection region 180 being aligned with a respective sealable holdingcompartment 112 in the holding area 110, such that application of anexternal pressure 182 to a selection region 180 ejects amoisture-sensitive pod 102 from the holding compartment 112 that isaligned therewith into the interior volume 108 of the dispenser 100, fordispensing of the moisture-sensitive pod 102 from the dispenser 100. Theone or more walls 118 of the dispenser body 104 further inhibit thepenetration of moisture into the interior volume 108 of the dispenser,and each moisture-sensitive pod 102 is maintained in a substantiallymoisture-free environment until it is dispensed.

Referring to FIGS. 23-27B an embodiment is shown where the dispenser 100comprises an elongate body 104, such as in the shape of a tower, fordispensing of the moisture-sensitive pods 102. In the embodiment asshown in FIG. 25, the one or more water-resistant walls 118 comprise afirst wall enclosure 118 a comprising a plurality of apertures 184therein that are aligned at the plurality of selection regions 180, eachof which apertures 184 is configured to engage a respective one of theplurality of sealable holding compartments 112. According to theembodiment as shown, the first enclosure wall 118 a is inserted inside asecond enclosure wall 118 b, and external pressure 182 can be appliedthrough the apertures 184 to the sealable holding compartments 112 toeject the moisture-sensitive pods 102 therefrom and into the interiorvolume 108 for dispensing of the moisture-sensitive pods 102 from thedispenser 100. In one embodiment, the plurality of selection regions 180comprise one or more flexible layers 186 over the plurality of apertures184 that can be depressed to eject moisture-sensitive pods 102 fromrespective sealable holding compartments 112 that are aligned with theselection regions 180. For example, in one embodiment, the or morewater-resistant walls 118 comprises a second wall enclosure 118 bexternal to the first 118 a, the second enclosure wall comprising aflexible material, such as for example a silicone or other elastomericmaterial, that can be depressed at the plurality of selection regions180 to eject moisture-sensitive pods 102 from respective sealableholding compartments 112 that are aligned with the selection regions180. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 25, a plurality of sealableholding compartments 112 in the form of removable insert strips 126 areinserted into the interior of the first enclosure wall 118 a, which maybe a molded plastic or other structure, and the holding compartments 112engage with apertures 194 formed in the first enclosure wall 118 a, suchas for example by aligning with such apertures and/or other openings inthe first enclosure wall. Furthermore, in the embodiment of FIG. 25, thesecond enclosure wall 118 b comprising a silicon sleeve or otherflexible layer is placed about the first enclosure wall 118 a. Thesilicon sleeve or other flexible layer can be depressed at one or moreselection regions 180 aligned with the apertures 184 formed in the firstenclosure wall 118 a, which are engaged with the holding compartments112, to eject the moisture-sensitive pods 102 being held in the inserts126 into the interior volume 108 and to thus dispense the pods 102 fromthe dispenser.

Further aspects are described with reference to FIGS. 28A-28B, 29A-29Dand 30. In the embodiments as shown, each of the plurality of sealableholding compartments 112 comprise an interior compartment wall portion188 a facing the interior volume 108, the interior compartment wallportion 188 a comprising an internal sealable aperture 190 that allowsejection of the moisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment 112into the interior volume 108 upon application of pressure to theinternal sealable aperture 190. The internal sealable aperture 190 maybe, for example, an interior compartment wall portion 188 a of aremovable insert 124 that faces the interior volume 108 of the dispenser100 when inserted into the dispenser. According to yet anotherembodiment, the internal sealable aperture 190 may be a separate layerseparating a holding compartment of an insert 124 from the interiorvolume 108 of the dispenser. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS.29A-29B and 30, the internal sealable aperture 190 comprises a valve 192with one or more flexible panels 194 that allow ejection of themoisture-sensitive pod 102 from the holding compartment 112 into theinterior volume 108 upon application of pressure to the one or moreflexible panels 194. For example, according to one embodiment, pressuremay be exerted against the one or more flexible panels 194 of the valve192 to open the valve 192 and eject a moisture-sensitive pod 102contained in a sealable holding compartment 112 into the interior volume108 via application of the external pressure 182 to the selection region180. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the valve 192 can comprise one ormore flexible panels 194 that are at least partially resealablefollowing ejection of a moisture-sensitive pod 102 from the sealableholding compartment 112.

In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 29A-29D and 30, the interior wallportion 188 a of the holding compartments 112 comprises a layer ofsilicone having opening slots 198 formed therein to provide the valve192 having the one of more flexible panels 194. In yet anotherembodiment, the internal wall portion 118 a comprises a removable panel196 having a plurality of valves therein, which is configured to beinserted into the dispenser 100 such that the plurality of valves 192are aligned with the respective plurality of sealable holdingcompartments 112. The panel 196 may also be a permanent feature of thedispenser body 106, with the valves 192 being positioned therein to bealigned with the sealable holding compartments 112 to allow ejectiontherefrom. According to yet another embodiment, the sealable aperture190 comprises a penetrable sealing layer 202 that allows ejection of themoisture-sensitive pod 102 from the holding compartment 112 into theinterior volume 108 upon application of pressure to penetrate thepenetrable sealing layer, for example by pressure of the moisture pod102 against the penetrable sealing layer 202 via application of theexternal pressure 182 at the selection region 180. In yet anotherembodiment, the penetrable sealing layer 202 may be at least partiallypenetrated by another structure of the holding compartment uponapplication of the external pressure 182, to open the sealable aperture190 and dispense the pod 102 from the holding compartment 112. In oneembodiment, the penetrable sealing layer 202 comprises a thin layer ofreadily penetrable material, such as a foil or paper film. In oneembodiment, the penetrable sealing layer 202 is provided as the interiorwall portion 188 a of a removable insert 124. That is, the insert 124may comprise the penetrable sealing layer 202 as the seal to thesealable apertures 190. As yet another option, the insert 124 cancomprise an interior wall portion 188 a having a valve with flexiblepanels as the seal to the sealable apertures 190 of the insert, althoughin other embodiments the panel 196 having the valve 192 may be providedseparately from the insert 124, such as in the form of a removable orpermanent structure of the dispenser body. In the embodiments as shownin FIGS. 29A-29B, the interior wall portion 188 a comprises just asingle wall layer, such as the panel 196 having the valves formedtherein, or the penetrable sealing layer 202 (not shown in FIGS.29A-29B). For example, the insert 124 can comprise a removable layer 204covering the apertures 190 that is removed before during or afterinsertion of the insert into the dispenser, and the panel 196 having theone or more resealable valves 192 may serve as the internal wall portion188 a that seals the holding compartments of the insert to protect thepods from moisture. In another embodiment, the insert 124 comprises apenetrable sealing layer 202 that itself serves as the internal wallportion 188 a, such that it is not required to provide the panel 196having the valves 192 to provide moisture protection along with anejection mechanism. In yet a further embodiment, as shown in FIGS.29C-29D, both a penetrable sealing layer 202 of the insert 124 and apanel 196 having the at least one valve is provided, to provide moistureprotection to the pods in the holding containers. In this embodiment,the application of the external pressure pushes the pod through thepenetrable sealing layer to the valve that is aligned with the holdingcompartment containing the pod, and ultimately through the valve fordispensing of the pod, with both the penetrable sealing layer and panelwith valve providing moisture protection for the pod while it is held inthe holding compartment prior to dispensing.

According to yet another embodiment, a removable insert 124 can comprisea relatively thin layer of material corresponding to a removable sealinglayer 204 at a wall portion 188 a thereof (see, e.g., FIG. 24), such asa foil or paper film, which removable sealing layer 204 is removedbefore, after, or during insertion of the insert 124 into the dispenser.The removable sealing layer 204 may protect the pods 102 from moisture,but may be removed to allow the pods to be dispensed from thecompartments 112 when provided in the dispenser, for example incooperation with the removable panel 196 having the valves 192 that maybe provided as the internal wall portion 188 a of the compartments 112when the insert 124 is inserted into the dispenser 100.

Furthermore, according to certain embodiments as shown in FIGS. 28A-28Band 29A-29D, the plurality of sealable holding compartments 112 can eachcomprise an exterior wall portion 188 b that is configured to be engagedvia application of the external pressure 182 to the selection region 180aligned with the respective sealable holding compartment, the externalwall portion 188 b having a flexible region 206 that guides themoisture-sensitive pod 102 towards the internal sealable aperture 190upon application of the external pressure 182, to eject themoisture-sensitive pod 102 from the holding compartment 112 via theinternal sealable aperture 190.

According to one embodiment, the flexible region 206 of the exteriorwall portion comprises a moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region 208 aand extended travel regions 208 b adjacent the moisture-sensitive podenclosing region 208 a that provide for travel of the moisture-sensitivepod enclosing region 208 a in the direction towards the internalsealable aperture 190 upon application of the external pressure 182. Inone embodiment, the extended travel regions 208 b of the flexibleregions 206 of the exterior wall portions 188 b comprise elastic regionsthat are configured to translate the moisture-sensitive pod enclosingregion in the direction of the internal sealable aperture substantiallywithout deformation of the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region 208a. In one embodiment, the extended travel regions 208 b compriseexterior wall bumps 210 suspending the moisture-sensitive pod enclosingregion 208 a of the exterior wall portion 188 b therebetween, andwherein application of the external pressure at least partially deformsthe exterior wall bumps 210 in the direction of the internal sealableaperture to translate the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region 208 atowards the internal sealable aperture 190.

Returning to FIGS. 23-27A, 29A-29D, 31-32A and 33-35, in certainembodiments the plurality of selection regions 180 comprise a pluralityof depressible buttons 212 that provide for ejection ofmoisture-sensitive pods from the plurality of holding compartments 112aligned with the respective depressible buttons 212 upon application ofexternal pressure 182 thereto. Referring to FIGS. 23-25, 27A-27B, 31,and 32A-32B, in one embodiment, the plurality of selection regions 180are arranged in columns 214 at a plurality of locations about aperiphery 216 of the dispenser. For example, in the embodiments as shownin these figures, the dispenser 100 according to comprises an elongatedispenser body 104 having a plurality of columns 214 with depressiblebuttons 212 corresponding to the plurality of selection regions 180about a periphery 216 thereof. In the embodiment as shown in FIGS.23-24, 27A, 31, 32A-32B and 35A-35B, the dispenser 100 further comprisesa dispenser lid 138 at a top end of the dispenser, which may be providedto further seal the interior volume 108 and any moisture-sensitive pods102 provided therein. In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 31 and32A-32B, the dispenser body 104 further comprises a rotatable cover 220having an elongate slot formed in a side wall therein that is sized toselectively expose the columns of depressible buttons, the rotatablecover 220 being rotatable along a longitudinal axis of the dispenserbody 104 to selectively expose each of the columns 214 upon rotation ofthe elongate slot 222 to a position along the periphery 216 of thedispenser body 204 corresponding to each column 214. FIGS. 27C and 32Cfurthermore illustrate examples of inserts 126 that may be provided asthe sealable holding compartments 112 in the dispensers 100 as shown.Furthermore, in the embodiment as shown in FIG. 26, the at least onedispenser outlet 116 comprises an outlet in communication with theinterior volume 108 and formed in a bottom surface of a base 154 of thedispenser body 104. In the embodiment as shown, applying the externalpressure 182 to the depressible button 212 ejects the pod in the holdingcompartment 112 that is aligned with the button 212 into the interiorvolume, where the pod 102 may be pulled via gravity (or alternatively byshaking the dispenser) to the outlet 116 at the base of the dispenser,thereby dispensing the moisture-sensitive pod 102.

According to yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 33-35B, thedispenser 100 comprises a plurality of selection regions 180 that arearranged in a plurality of columns 214 on at least one of a front panel224 a and a rear panel 224 b of the dispenser. For example, according tocertain embodiments, the dispenser can comprise front and rear panels224 a, 224 b, with the interior volume 108 located between the front andrear panels, and further comprising a plurality of selection regions inthe form of a plurality of columns with depressible buttons 212 arrangedon at least one of the front and rear panels 224 a, 224 b of thedispenser 100. FIG. 35C further illustrates the removal inserts 126 thatmay be used as the holding compartments 112 of the dispenser in theembodiments as shown. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 33, the topportion of the dispenser body 104 may have one or more slots thereinthat are sized to insert the removable inserts 126 therein to, such asfor convenient refilling of the dispenser 100. Furthermore, in theembodiment as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the dispenser comprises anoutlet 116 in communication with the interior volume 108 and further incommunication with a tray 226 configured to receive moisture-sensitivepods 102 ejected from the sealable holding compartments 112, the tray226 being formed at a base 154 of the dispenser body 100.

The dispenser embodiments as shown in FIGS. 23-35C may be used with anyof the formulations, pod or pod combinations, or insert combinations asotherwise described herein. For example, according to certainembodiments, the plurality of holding compartments can comprise at leastone removable insert configured to be removed from the dispenser bodyfor refill of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods. The at least oneremovable insert can comprise a plurality of holding compartmentspositioned along an insert strip, each holding compartment configured tocontain an individual moisture-sensitive pod. In one embodiment, theholding area is configured to accommodate a plurality of removableinserts having the plurality of holding compartments in the interiorvolume of the dispenser. In another embodiment, the plurality of holdingcompartments comprise a plurality of separate removable inserts, eachcontaining a single holding compartment configured to contain anindividual moisture-sensitive pod. In one embodiment, at least a portionof the compartment walls of the plurality of holding compartments areattached to the dispenser body. In another embodiment, the interiorvolume is substantially entirely surrounded by the water-resistant wallsof the dispenser body. In a further embodiment, the water-resistantwalls of the dispenser body define an opening in the dispenser body thatis configured to provide access for refilling of moisture-sensitive podsin the plurality of holding compartments.

According to one embodiment, the liquid or gel formulations provided inthe pods are at least one of personal care and cleansing formulations.For example, the formulations can comprise at least one of shampoo,conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combinations, body wash, bodywash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel andshaving gel. In one embodiment, the plurality of moisture-sensitive podscomprise up to 10 pods having personal care compositions, the pluralityof pods comprising a first moisture-sensitive pod having a firstpersonal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having asecond personal care composition, the first composition being differentthan the second composition. In yet another embodiment, the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods further comprise a third moisture-sensitive podhaving a third personal care composition that is different than thefirst and second compositions. In one embodiment, the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods further comprises a fourth moisture-sensitivepod having a fourth personal care composition that is different than thefirst, second and third compositions. In one embodiment, the pluralityof moisture-sensitive pods comprise a first moisture-sensitive podhaving a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having aconditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having abody wash formulation.

In another embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments comprise afirst removable insert having one or more moisture-sensitive podscomprising a first personal care composition, and a second removableinsert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a secondpersonal care composition, the first composition being different thanthe second composition. In another embodiment, the plurality of holdingcompartments further comprises a third removable insert comprising athird personal care composition that is different than the firstcomposition and the second composition. In a further embodiment, theplurality of holding compartments further comprises a fourth removableinsert comprising a fourth personal care composition that is differentthan the first, second, and third compositions. In one embodiment, afirst removable insert comprises a moisture-sensitive pods comprising ashampoo formulation, a second removable insert comprisesmoisture-sensitive pods comprising a conditioner formulation, and athird removable insert comprises moisture-sensitive pods comprising abody wash formulation.

In another embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments comprise atleast one removable insert, and wherein the at least one removableinsert comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod having a first personalcare composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a secondpersonal care composition, the first composition being different thanthe second composition, on the same insert. In a further embodiment, athird moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition isprovided, the third composition being different than the first andsecond composition, on the same insert. In yet a further embodiment, afourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care compositionis provided, the fourth composition being different than the first,second and third composition, on the same insert. In one embodiment, theat least one removable insert comprises a first moisture-sensitive podhaving a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having aconditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having abody wash formulation, on the same insert. In yet another embodiment,the moisture-sensitive pods comprise the liquid or gel formulationsenveloped in an at least partially water soluble film. For example, theat least partially water soluble film can comprise a water-solublepolymer. In yet another embodiment, a method of providing a personalcare liquid or gel formulation is provided, the method, comprisingdispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gelformulation from the dispenser according to any of those illustrated inthe embodiments shown in FIGS. 23-35C.

In one embodiment, an insert 124 adapted for use in the dispenser 100according to any embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 14-22 comprises aplurality of compartments 112, each compartment 112 configured to housea single moisture-sensitive pod 102 containing a personal care liquid orgel concentrate formulation, each compartment further adapted tomaintain each moisture-sensitive pod in a substantially moisture-freeenvironment and each compartment 112 configured to allow access to eachpod on an individual basis without impacting the moisture-freeenvironment of adjacent compartments 112. In one embodiment, the insert124 comprises a first compartment wall region 188 a comprising asealable aperture 190. In another embodiment, the sealable aperture 190comprises a valve 192 with one or more flexible panels 194 that allowejection of the moisture-sensitive pod 102 from the holding compartment112 upon application of pressure to the one or more flexible panels 194.In yet another embodiment, the valve 192 comprises one or more flexiblepanels 194 that are resealable following ejection of amoisture-sensitive pod 102 from the sealable holding compartment 112. Inone embodiment, the first compartment wall portion 188 a comprises alayer of silicone having opening slots formed therein to provide thevalve having the one of more flexible panels. In yet another embodiment,the first compartment wall portion 188 a comprises a penetrable sealinglayer that allows ejection of the moisture-sensitive pod from theholding compartment upon application of pressure to penetrate thepenetrable sealing layer. According to certain embodiments, thepenetrable sealing layer comprises a foil or paper film. In yet anotherembodiment, the first compartment wall portion 188 a comprises aremovable sealing layer that can be removed to expose the sealableaperture prior to, during or following insertion of the insert into thedispenser, such as a removable sealing layer comprises a foil or paperfilm.

According to yet another embodiment, the insert 124 comprises aplurality of holding compartments 112 each comprise an exterior wallportion 188 b having a flexible region that guides themoisture-sensitive pod towards the internal sealable aperture uponapplication of external pressure to the exterior wall portion, to ejectthe moisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment via the sealableaperture. In one embodiment, the flexible region of the exterior wallportion 188 b comprises a moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region andextended travel regions adjacent the moisture-sensitive pod enclosingregion that provide for travel of the moisture-sensitive pod enclosingregion in the direction towards the internal sealable aperture uponapplication of the external pressure. In one embodiment, the extendedtravel regions of the flexible regions of the exterior wall portionscomprise elastic regions that are configured to translate themoisture-sensitive pod enclosing region in the direction of the internalsealable aperture substantially without deformation of themoisture-sensitive pod enclosing region. In yet another embodiment, theextended travel regions comprise exterior wall bumps suspending themoisture-sensitive pod enclosing region of the exterior wall portiontherebetween, and wherein application of the external pressure at leastpartially deforms the exterior wall bumps in the direction of theinternal sealable aperture to translate the moisture-sensitive podenclosing region towards the internal sealable aperture.

According one embodiment, the insert 124 that may optionally be providedwith any of the dispenser embodiments herein, may comprise a single useinsert that is intended to be used only a single time, to dispense oneor more moisture-sensitive pods from the insert, before the insert isremoved from the dispenser 100 and disposed of. For example, the insert124 may be a single-use, disposable insert that is made of anenvironmentally friendly material comprising any of a fiber-basedmaterial, a recyclable material and a compostable material. Followingdispending of a desired number of moisture-sensitive pods from thesingle-use insert, the insert 124 may be disposed of by submitting todisposal facilities for recycling and/or composting, according to thematerials being used. For example, in a case where the insert is made ofa fiber-based material, such as paper, cardboard, textile or otherfibrous material, the insert may be allowed to compost in anenvironmentally friendly fashion. According to this embodiment, theinsert 124 may be pre-loaded with the moisture-sensitive pods (e.g.,pre-loaded prior to use by a consumer), such that the insert 124 can besimply disposed of in an appropriate and environmentally friendlyreminder following use of the insert in the dispenser, and a subsequentsingle-use insert 124 can be used to replace the used insert. In analternative embodiment, the insert comprises a reusable, multi-useinsert, for example made of a more durable material than the single-useinsert, although the multi-use insert may also be made of any of afiber-based, recyclable and/or compostable material such that it isenvironmentally friendly. In one embodiment, the reusable, multi-useinsert may be fillable with moisture-sensitive pods by the consumer,and/or the consumer may be able to re-fill the multi-use insertsfollowing dispensing of one or more pods from the insert. That is, thereusable insert is configured to be manually and/or mechanicallyre-loaded with the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods for dispensingfrom the dispenser. For example, in one embodiment, the insert 124 cancomprise holding compartments 112 having sealable apertures 190 and/orvalves formed in at least one wall portion thereof 188 a,b that are atleast partially resealable such that the holding compartments can bere-used to contain and protect moisture-sensitive pods therein frommoisture.

All documents cited in this application are hereby incorporate byreference as if recited in full herein.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed herein, it should be understood that the invention is notlimited to those described, and that various other changes ormodifications may be made by one skilled in the art without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispenser for dispensing a plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid or gelformulations, the dispenser comprising: a dispenser body having one ormore water-resistant walls at least partially defining an interiorvolume of the dispenser; a holding area configured to hold a pluralityof moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser,wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the holdingarea are contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartmentscomprising compartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive podfrom one another in adjacent holding compartments; and at least onedispenser outlet configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod from atleast one of the plurality of holding compartments, wherein the one ormore walls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moistureinto the interior volume of the dispenser, and each moisture-sensitivepod is maintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until itis dispensed.
 2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein thedispenser body has an elongated shape.
 3. The dispenser according toclaim 1, wherein the dispenser body has a rounded shape.
 4. Thedispenser according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser body has a discshape.
 5. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the plurality ofholding compartments comprise at least one removable insert configuredto be removed from the dispenser body for refill of the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods.
 6. The dispenser according to claim 5, whereinthe at least one removable insert comprises a plurality of holdingcompartments positioned along an insert strip, each holding compartmentconfigured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod.
 7. Thedispenser according to claim 6, wherein the holding area is configuredto accommodate a plurality of removable inserts having the plurality ofholding compartments in the interior volume of the dispenser.
 8. Thedispenser according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of holdingcompartments comprise a plurality of separate removable inserts, eachcontaining a single holding compartment configured to contain anindividual moisture-sensitive pod.
 9. The dispenser according to claim1, wherein at least a portion of the compartment walls of the pluralityof holding compartments are attached to the dispenser body.
 10. Thedispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least one dispenseroutlet is configured to provide access to only a single holdingcompartment at a same time.
 11. The dispenser according to claim 1,wherein the at least one dispenser outlet is configured to provideaccess to a plurality of holding compartments at the same time.
 12. Thedispenser according to claim 11, wherein the at least one dispenseroutlet comprises a plurality of elongated apertures in the dispenserbody that expose a plurality of holding compartments in the interiorvolume.
 13. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least onedispenser outlet is sealable to inhibit penetration of moisture into theplurality of holding compartments.
 14. The dispenser according to claim1, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises a dispenser lidlocated at a top or bottom of the dispenser.
 15. The dispenser accordingto claim 1, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises one ormore openable panels located on one or more sides of the dispenser. 16.The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least one dispenseroutlet is rotatable with respect to one or more of the plurality ofholding compartments, so as to provide access to individual holdingcompartments via rotation.
 17. The dispenser according to claim 1,wherein the interior volume is substantially entirely surrounded by thewater-resistant walls of the dispenser body.
 18. The dispenser accordingto claim 1, wherein the water-resistant walls of the dispenser bodydefine an opening in the dispenser body that is configured to provideaccess for refilling of moisture-sensitive pods in the plurality ofholding compartments.
 19. The dispenser according to claim 1, whereinthe dispenser body has indentations therein to facilitate gripping ofthe dispenser.
 20. The dispenser according to claim 1, furthercomprising a mounting mechanism for mounting the dispenser to one ormore of a wall and a fixture.
 21. The dispenser according to claim 20,wherein the mounting mechanism comprises a hook or strap configured tohang the dispenser.
 22. The dispenser according to claim 20 where in themounting mechanism comprises at least one of an adhesive strip, velcroand/or magnetic mechanism for mounting to a surface.
 23. The dispenseraccording to claim 1, wherein the liquid or gel formulations are atleast one of personal care and cleansing formulations.
 24. The dispenseraccording to claim 1, wherein the formulations comprise at least one ofshampoo, conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combinations, body wash, bodywash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel andshaving gel.
 25. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein theplurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise up to 10 pods havingpersonal care compositions, the plurality of pods comprising a firstmoisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and asecond moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition,the first composition being different than the second composition. 26.The dispenser according to claim 25, wherein the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods further comprises a third moisture-sensitive podhaving a third personal care composition that is different than thefirst and second compositions.
 27. The dispenser according to claim 26,wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises afourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care compositionthat is different than the first, second and third compositions.
 28. Thedispenser according to claim 26, wherein the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having ashampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having aconditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having abody wash formulation.
 29. The dispenser according to claim 25, whereinthe plurality of holding compartments comprise a first removable inserthaving one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a first personalcare composition, and a second removable insert having one or moremoisture-sensitive pods comprising a second personal care composition,the first composition being different than the second composition. 30.The dispenser according to claim 29, wherein the plurality of holdingcompartments further comprises a third removable insert comprising athird personal care composition that is different than the firstcomposition and the second composition.
 31. The dispenser according toclaim 30, wherein the plurality of holding compartments furthercomprises a fourth removable insert comprising a fourth personal carecomposition that is different than the first, second, and thirdcompositions.
 32. The dispenser according to claim 30, comprising afirst removable insert having a moisture-sensitive pods comprising ashampoo formulation, a second removable insert having moisture-sensitivepods comprising a conditioner formulation, and a third removable inserthaving moisture-sensitive pods comprising a body wash formulation. 33.The dispenser according to claim 25, wherein the plurality of holdingcompartments comprise at least one removable insert, and wherein the atleast one removable insert comprises a first moisture-sensitive podhaving a first personal care composition, and a secondmoisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, thefirst composition being different than the second composition, on thesame insert.
 34. The dispenser according to claim 33, further comprisinga third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition,the third composition being different than the first and secondcomposition, on the same insert.
 35. The dispenser according to claim34, further comprising a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourthpersonal care composition, the fourth composition being different thanthe first, second and third composition, on the same insert.
 36. Thedispenser according to claim 34, wherein the at least one removableinsert comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampooformulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditionerformulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body washformulation, on the same insert.
 37. The dispenser according to claim 1,wherein the moisture-sensitive pods comprise the liquid or gelformulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film. 38.The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least partially watersoluble film comprises a water-soluble polymer.
 39. A method ofproviding a personal care liquid or gel formulation, comprising:dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gelformulation from the dispenser according to claim
 1. 40. A dispenser fordispensing moisture-sensitive pods comprising personal careformulations, the dispenser comprising: a dispenser body having a baseand one or more sidewalls extending from the base to define an interiorvolume; a holding area configured to hold a plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser, theplurality of moisture-sensitive pods being contained in a plurality ofsealable holding compartments comprising compartment walls that separateeach moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holdingcompartments; and at least one dispenser opening at an end of thedispenser body that is configured to provide access to one or more ofthe moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume, wherein the one ormore walls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moistureinto one or more of the plurality of holding compartments, and eachmoisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-freeenvironment until it is dispensed.
 41. The dispenser according to claim40, wherein the dispenser body has an elongated shape.
 42. The dispenseraccording to claim 40, wherein the holding area is configured to hold atleast one removable insert comprising the plurality of holdingcompartments for the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods, the at leastone removable insert being configured to be removed from the dispenserbody for refill of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods.
 43. Thedispenser according to claim 42, wherein the holding area comprises aplurality of longitudinal slots configured to engage lateral sides ofthe at least one removable insert.
 44. The dispenser according to claim42, wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a plurality ofholding compartments positioned along an insert strip, each holdingcompartment configured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod.45. The dispenser according to claim 42 wherein the holding area isconfigured to accommodate a plurality of removable inserts having theplurality of holding compartments in the interior volume of thedispenser.
 46. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein theplurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise up to 10 pods havingpersonal care compositions, the plurality of pods comprising a firstmoisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and asecond moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition,the first composition being different than the second composition. 47.The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods further comprises a third moisture-sensitive podhaving a third personal care composition that is different than thefirst and second compositions.
 48. The dispenser according to claim 47,wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises afourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care compositionthat is different than the first, second and third compositions.
 49. Thedispenser according to claim 47, wherein the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having ashampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having aconditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having abody wash formulation.
 50. The dispenser according to claim 46, whereinthe plurality of holding compartments comprise a first removable inserthaving one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a first personalcare composition, and a second removable insert having one or moremoisture-sensitive pods comprising a second personal care composition,the first composition being different than the second composition. 51.The dispenser according to claim 50, wherein the plurality of holdingcompartments further comprises a third removable insert comprising athird personal care composition that is different than the firstcomposition and the second composition.
 52. The dispenser according toclaim 51, wherein the plurality of holding compartments furthercomprises a fourth removable insert comprising a fourth personal carecomposition that is different than the first, second, and thirdcompositions.
 53. The dispenser according to claim 51, comprising afirst removable insert having a moisture-sensitive pods comprising ashampoo formulation, a second removable insert having moisture-sensitivepods comprising a conditioner formulation, and a third removable inserthaving moisture-sensitive pods comprising a body wash formulation. 54.The dispenser according to claim 46, wherein the plurality of holdingcompartments comprise at least one removable insert, and wherein the atleast one removable insert comprises a first moisture-sensitive podhaving a first personal care composition, and a secondmoisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, thefirst composition being different than the second composition, on thesame insert.
 55. The dispenser according to claim 54, further comprisinga third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition,the third composition being different than the first and secondcomposition, on the same insert.
 56. The dispenser according to claim55, further comprising a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourthpersonal care composition, the fourth composition being different thanthe first, second and third composition, on the same insert.
 57. Thedispenser according to claim 55, wherein the at least one removableinsert comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampooformulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditionerformulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body washformulation, on the same insert.
 58. The dispenser according to claim40, wherein the at least one dispenser opening is an outlet that issized and configured to provide access to multiple removable inserts ata same time.
 59. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein thedispenser opening is configured to provide access to the holding areafor refill of one or more of the plurality of removable inserts in thedispenser.
 60. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the at leastone dispenser opening is located in opposing relation to the base of thedispenser body.
 61. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the atleast one dispenser opening is located in the base of the dispenserbody.
 62. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the at least onedispenser opening comprises a lid that is closeable to cover an outletaperture.
 63. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the at leastone dispenser opening is sealable to inhibit penetration of moistureinto the plurality of holding compartments.
 64. The dispenser accordingto claim 40, wherein the interior volume is substantially entirelysurrounded by the water-resistant walls of the dispenser body.
 65. Thedispenser according to claim 40, further comprising a mounting mechanismfor mounting the dispenser to one or more of a wall and a fixture. 66.The dispenser according to claim 65, wherein the mounting mechanismcomprises a hook or strap configured to hang the dispenser.
 67. Thedispenser according to claim 66 where in the mounting mechanismcomprises at least one of an adhesive strip, velcro and/or magneticmechanism for mounting to a surface.
 68. The dispenser according toclaim 40, wherein the dispenser is free-standing.
 69. The dispenseraccording to claim 40, wherein each of the plurality of holdingcompartments is secured to a wall of the dispenser.
 70. The dispenseraccording to claim 69, wherein each of the plurality of holdingcompartments is secured to the wall of the dispenser by way of atongue-in-groove configuration.
 71. The dispenser according to claim 40,wherein the liquid or gel formulations are at least one of personal careand cleansing formulations.
 72. The dispenser according to claim 71,wherein the formulations comprise at least one of shampoo, conditioner,shampoo-conditioner combinations, body wash, body wash-shampoocombinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel and shaving gel.73. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the moisture-sensitivepods comprise the liquid or gel formulations enveloped in an at leastpartially water soluble film.
 74. The dispenser according to claim 73,wherein the at least partially water soluble film comprises a watersoluble polymer.
 75. A method of providing a personal care liquid or gelformulation, comprising: dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprisingthe liquid or gel formulation from the dispenser according to claim 40.76. A dispenser for dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive podscontaining personal care liquid or gel formulations, the dispensercomprising: a dispenser body having a base and one or more sidewallsextending from the base to define an interior volume; a holding areaconfigured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in theinterior volume of the dispenser, wherein the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods held in the holding area are contained in aplurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment wallsthat separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacentholding compartments; and dispenser outlets comprising a plurality ofapertures formed in the one or more sidewalls and configured to dispensemoisture-sensitive pods from at least one of the plurality of holdingcompartments, wherein the one or more walls of the dispenser bodyinhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume of thedispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in asubstantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
 77. Thedispenser according to claim 76, wherein the dispenser body has anelongated shape.
 78. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein thedispenser body has indentations therein to facilitate gripping of thedispenser.
 79. The dispenser according to claim 78, wherein theindentations comprise plural elongate indentations formed in thesidewalls about a central axis of the dispenser body, and extending atleast a portion of the distance from a top of the sidewalls to the base.80. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the plurality ofholding compartments comprise at least one removable insert configuredto be removed from the dispenser body for refill of the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods.
 81. The dispenser according to claim 80,wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a plurality ofsealable holding compartments positioned along an insert strip, eachsealable holding compartment configured to contain an individualmoisture-sensitive pod.
 82. The dispenser according to claim 80, whereinthe holding area is configured to accommodate a plurality of removableinserts having the plurality of holding compartments in the interiorvolume of the dispenser.
 83. The dispenser according to claim 80,wherein the plurality of holding compartments are each configured tocontain an individual moisture-sensitive pod, which is maintained in asubstantially moisture free environment until accessed.
 84. Thedispenser according to claim 76, wherein the holding area comprisescompartment walls that are attached to at least a portion of thedispenser body.
 85. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein theholding area comprises a plurality of longitudinal slots configured toengage lateral sides of at least one removable insert.
 86. The dispenseraccording to claim 76, wherein each of the plurality of holdingcompartments is secured to a wall of the dispenser.
 87. The dispenseraccording to claim 86, wherein each of the plurality of holdingcompartments is secured to the wall of the dispenser by way of atongue-in-groove configuration.
 88. The dispenser according to claim 76,wherein the holding compartments comprise a series of compartmentsextending along the sidewalls between the base and a top of thedispenser body, each compartment being adjacent at least one aperture ofthe plurality of apertures.
 89. The dispenser according to claim 88,wherein the dispenser outlets are configured to provide access to only asingle holding compartment via an aperture at a same time.
 90. Thedispenser according to claim 76, wherein the dispenser outlets comprisepanels that are openable to expose an aperture and a compartmentadjacent the aperture.
 91. The dispenser according to claim 90, whereinthe panels are sealable to inhibit the penetration of moisture into theholding compartments.
 92. The dispenser according to claim 76, whereinthe dispenser outlets comprise a column of apertures extending along thesidewalls at least a portion of the distance from the base of thedispenser body to a top end of the dispense body opposing the base. 93.The dispenser according to claim 92, wherein multiple columns ofapertures are formed on sidewalls of the dispenser body about a centralaxis of the dispenser.
 94. The dispenser according to claim 93, whereinthe dispenser body further comprises one or more elongate indentationsformed about the central axis and in between the columns of apertures.95. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the plurality ofholding compartments comprise at least one removable insert, and theremovable insert comprises an openable panel that allows for access of amoisture-sensitive pod in a holding compartment of the insert via anaperture of the dispenser outlet.
 96. The dispenser according to claim76, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises a plurality ofelongated apertures in the dispenser body configured to expose aplurality of openable panels of the at least one removable insert. 97.The dispenser according to claim 76, further comprising an openingformed in the dispenser body to allow for access to the interior volumeof the dispenser for replacement of at least one removable insert. 98.The dispenser according to claim 97, wherein the opening is formed at atop end of the dispenser body opposing the base.
 99. The dispenseraccording to claim 97, wherein the opening is formed in the base. 100.The dispenser according to claim 97, wherein the dispenser comprises alid to cover the refill opening.
 101. The dispenser according to claim76, wherein the interior volume is substantially entirely surrounded bythe water-resistant walls of the dispenser body, optionally including alid to cover an opening formed in the dispenser body.
 102. The dispenseraccording to claim 76, further comprising a mounting mechanism formounting the dispenser to one or more of a wall and a fixture.
 103. Thedispenser according to claim 102, wherein the mounting mechanismcomprises a hook or strap configured to hang the dispenser.
 104. Thedispenser according to claim 103 where in the mounting mechanismcomprises at least one of an adhesive strip, velcro and/or magneticmechanism for mounting to a surface.
 105. The dispenser according toclaim 76, wherein the dispenser is free-standing.
 106. The dispenseraccording to claim 76, wherein the liquid or gel formulations are atleast one of personal care and cleansing formulations.
 107. Thedispenser according to claim 106, wherein the formulations comprise atleast one of shampoo, conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combination, bodywash, body-wash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub,shower gel and shaving gel.
 108. The dispenser according to claim 76,wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise up to 10 podshaving personal care compositions, the plurality of pods comprising afirst moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition,and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal carecomposition, the first composition being different than the secondcomposition.
 109. The dispenser according to claim 108, wherein theplurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises a thirdmoisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition that isdifferent than the first and second compositions.
 110. The dispenseraccording to claim 109, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive podsfurther comprises a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourthpersonal care composition that is different than the first, second andthird compositions.
 111. The dispenser according to claim 109, whereinthe plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise a firstmoisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a secondmoisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a thirdmoisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation.
 112. Thedispenser according to claim 76, wherein the plurality of holdingcompartments comprise a first removable insert having one or moremoisture-sensitive pods comprising a first personal care composition,and a second removable insert having one or more moisture-sensitive podscomprising a second personal care composition, the first compositionbeing different than the second composition.
 113. The dispenseraccording to claim 112, wherein the plurality of holding compartmentsfurther comprises a third removable insert comprising a third personalcare composition that is different than the first composition and thesecond composition.
 114. The dispenser according to claim 113, whereinthe plurality of holding compartments further comprises a fourthremovable insert comprising a fourth personal care composition that isdifferent than the first, second, and third compositions.
 115. Thedispenser according to claim 113, comprising a first removable inserthaving a moisture-sensitive pods comprising a shampoo formulation, asecond removable insert having moisture-sensitive pods comprising aconditioner formulation, and a third removable insert havingmoisture-sensitive pods comprising a body wash formulation.
 116. Thedispenser according to claim 76, wherein the plurality of holdingcompartments comprise at least one removable insert, and wherein the atleast one removable insert comprises a first moisture-sensitive podhaving a first personal care composition, and a secondmoisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, thefirst composition being different than the second composition, on thesame insert.
 117. The dispenser according to claim 116, furthercomprising a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal carecomposition, the third composition being different than the first andsecond composition, on the same insert.
 118. The dispenser according toclaim 117, further comprising a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having afourth personal care composition, the fourth composition being differentthan the first, second and third composition, on the same insert. 119.The dispenser according to claim 117, wherein the at least one removableinsert comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampooformulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditionerformulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body washformulation, on the same insert.
 120. The dispenser according to claim76, wherein the moisture-sensitive pods comprise the liquid or gelformulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film. 121.The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the at least partiallywater soluble film comprises a water-soluble polymer.
 122. A method ofproviding a personal care liquid or gel formulation, comprising:dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gelformulation from the dispenser according to claim
 76. 123. A dispenserfor dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containingpersonal care liquid or gel formulations, the dispenser comprising: adispenser body having one or more sidewalls that at least partiallydefine an interior volume thereof; a holding area configured to hold aplurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of thedispenser, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in theholding area are contained in a plurality of sealable holdingcompartments comprising compartment walls that separate eachmoisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holdingcompartments; and dispenser outlets comprising a plurality of aperturesformed along the one or more sidewalls and configured to dispensemoisture-sensitive pods from at least one of the plurality of holdingcompartments, wherein the one or more sidewalls of the dispenser bodyinhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume of thedispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in asubstantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
 124. Thedispenser according to claim 123, wherein the dispenser body has anelongated shape.
 125. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein theone or more sidewalls form an arcuate shape about the interior volume.126. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the one or moresidewalls at least partially surrounding a central axis of the interiorvolume, and the one or more sidewalls defining an opening betweenopposing edges thereof, and wherein the opening defined by the opposingedges of the one or more sidewalls is configured to provide access forreplacement of moisture-sensitive pods in the plurality of holdingcompartments.
 127. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein thedispenser body is open at opposing ends of the interior volume.
 128. Thedispenser according to claim 127, wherein at least one end of thedispenser body is configured to be closeable.
 129. The dispenseraccording to claim 123, wherein the plurality of holding compartmentscomprise at least one removable insert configured to be removed from thedispenser body for replacement of the plurality of moisture-sensitivepods.
 130. The dispenser according to claim 129, wherein the at leastone removable insert comprises a plurality of holding compartmentspositioned along an insert strip, each holding compartment configured tocontain an individual moisture-sensitive pod.
 131. The dispenseraccording to claim 123, wherein the holding area is configured toaccommodate a plurality of removable inserts having the plurality ofholding compartments in the interior volume of the dispenser.
 132. Thedispenser according to claim 123, wherein the plurality of holdingcompartments are each configured to contain an individualmoisture-sensitive pod in a substantially moisture-free environment.133. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the holding areacomprises compartment walls that are attached to at least a portion ofthe dispenser body.
 134. The dispenser according to claim 123, whereinthe holding area comprises a plurality of longitudinal slots configuredto engage lateral sides of at least one removable insert.
 135. Thedispenser according to claim 123, wherein each of the plurality ofholding compartments is secured to a wall of the dispenser.
 136. Thedispenser according to claim 135, wherein each of the plurality ofholding compartments is secured to the wall of the dispenser by way of atongue-in-groove configuration.
 137. The dispenser according to claim123, wherein the holding compartments comprise a series of compartmentsextending along the sidewalls between opposing ends of the dispenserbody, each compartment being adjacent to at least one aperture of theplurality of apertures.
 138. The dispenser according to claim 123,wherein the dispenser outlets are configured to provide access to only asingle holding compartment via an aperture at a same time.
 139. Thedispenser according to claim 123, wherein the dispenser outlets comprisepanels that are openable to expose an aperture and a compartmentadjacent the aperture.
 140. The dispenser according to claim 139,wherein the panels are sealable to inhibit the penetration of moistureinto the holding compartments.
 141. The dispenser according to claim123, wherein the dispenser outlets comprise a column of aperturesextending along the sidewalls at least a portion of the distance betweenopposing ends of the dispenser body.
 142. The dispenser according toclaim 141, wherein multiple columns of apertures are formed on sidewallsof the dispenser body about a central axis of the dispenser.
 143. Thedispenser according to claim 141, wherein multiple columns of aperturesare formed on a side of the sidewalls opposite the opening defined bythe opposing edges of the sidewalls.
 144. The dispenser according toclaim 123, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise atleast one removable insert, and the removable insert comprises anopenable panel that allows for access of a moisture-sensitive pod in aholding compartment of the insert via an aperture of the dispenseroutlet.
 145. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the at leastone dispenser outlet comprises a plurality of elongated apertures in thedispenser body configured to expose a plurality of openable panels ofthe at least one removable insert.
 146. The dispenser according to claim123, further comprising a mounting mechanism for mounting the dispenserto one or more of a wall and a fixture.
 147. The dispenser according toclaim 146, wherein the mounting mechanism comprises a hook or strapconfigured to hang the dispenser therefrom.
 148. The dispenser accordingto claim 146 where in the mounting mechanism comprises at least one ofan adhesive strip, velcro and/or magnetic mechanism for mounting to asurface.
 149. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein thedispenser is free-standing.
 150. The dispenser according to claim 123,wherein the liquid or gel formulations are at least one of personal careand cleansing formulations.
 151. The dispenser according to claim 123,wherein the formulations comprise at least one of shampoo, conditioner,shampoo-conditioner combination, body wash, body wash-shampoocombinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel and shaving gel.152. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods comprise up to 10 pods having personal carecompositions, the plurality of pods comprising a firstmoisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and asecond moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition,the first composition being different than the second composition. 153.The dispenser according to claim 152, wherein the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods further comprises a third moisture-sensitive podhaving a third personal care composition that is different than thefirst and second compositions.
 154. The dispenser according to claim153, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprisesa fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal carecomposition that is different than the first, second and thirdcompositions.
 155. The dispenser according to claim 152, wherein theplurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise a first moisture-sensitivepod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod havinga conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having abody wash formulation.
 156. The dispenser according to claim 123,wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise a first removableinsert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a firstpersonal care composition, and a second removable insert having one ormore moisture-sensitive pods comprising a second personal carecomposition, the first composition being different than the secondcomposition.
 157. The dispenser according to claim 156, wherein theplurality of holding compartments further comprises a third removableinsert comprising a third personal care composition that is differentthan the first composition and the second composition.
 158. Thedispenser according to claim 157, wherein the plurality of holdingcompartments further comprises a fourth removable insert comprising afourth personal care composition that is different than the first,second, and third compositions.
 159. The dispenser according to claim157, comprising a first removable insert having a moisture-sensitivepods comprising a shampoo formulation, a second removable insert havingmoisture-sensitive pods comprising a conditioner formulation, and athird removable insert having moisture-sensitive pods comprising a bodywash formulation.
 160. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein theplurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removableinsert, and wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a firstmoisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and asecond moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition,the first composition being different than the second composition, onthe same insert.
 161. The dispenser according to claim 160, furthercomprising a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal carecomposition, the third composition being different than the first andsecond composition, on the same insert.
 162. The dispenser according toclaim 161, further comprising a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having afourth personal care composition, the fourth composition being differentthan the first, second and third composition, on the same insert. 163.The dispenser according to claim 161, wherein the at least one removableinsert comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampooformulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditionerformulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body washformulation, on the same insert.
 164. The dispenser according to claim123, wherein the moisture-sensitive pods comprise the liquid or gelformulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film. 165.The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the at least partiallywater soluble film comprises a water soluble polymer.
 166. A method ofproviding a personal care liquid or gel formulation, comprising:dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gelformulation from the dispenser according to claim
 123. 167. A dispenserfor dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containingpersonal care liquid or gel formulations, the dispenser comprising: adispenser body having one or more water-resistant walls at leastpartially defining an interior volume of the dispenser; a holding areaconfigured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in theinterior volume of the dispenser, wherein the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods held in the holding area are contained in aplurality of sealable holding compartments at least partially encirclinga central axis of the interior volume, the plurality of sealable holdingcompartments comprising compartment walls that separate eachmoisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holdingcompartments; and at least one dispenser outlet configured to dispense amoisture-sensitive pod from at least one of the plurality of holdingcompartments, wherein the one or more walls of the dispenser bodyinhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume of thedispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in asubstantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
 168. Thedispenser according to claim 166, wherein the dispenser body has arounded shape.
 169. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein thedispenser body has a disc shape.
 170. The dispenser according to claim166, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises an apertureformed in a sidewall of the dispenser body, the sidewall extending abouta central axis of the interior volume.
 171. The dispenser according toclaim 166, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises aplurality of apertures in a sidewall of the dispenser body and at leastpartially encircling a central axis of the interior volume, so as toprovide access to individual holding compartments in communication witheach aperture.
 172. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the atleast one dispenser outlet is rotatable with respect to one or more ofthe plurality of holding compartments, so as to provide access toindividual holding compartments via rotation.
 173. The dispenseraccording to claim 166, wherein the one or more holding compartmentscomprise an annular carousel having a plurality of segmented chambers atleast partially encircling the central axis of the central chamber. 174.The dispenser according to claim 172, wherein the dispenser outlet isrotatable with respect to the annular carousel by rotation of thesidewall about the central axis.
 175. The dispenser according to claim172, wherein the dispenser outlet is rotatable with respect to theannular carousel by rotation of the carousel about the central axis.176. The dispenser according to claim 172, wherein the plurality ofsegmented chambers of the annular carousel comprise radially extendingchamber sidewalls, to separate individual moisture-sensitive pods ineach segmented chamber.
 177. The dispenser according to claim 166,wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least oneremovable insert configured to be removed from the dispenser body forreplacement of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods.
 178. Thedispenser according to claim 166, wherein the at least one removableinsert comprises an annular carousel having a plurality of segmentedchambers that is configured to be positioned about the central axis ofthe interior volume, each segmented chamber being configured to containan individual moisture-sensitive pod.
 179. The dispenser according toclaim 177, wherein the holding area is configured to accommodate aplurality of removable inserts having the annular carousel in theinterior volume of the dispenser.
 180. The dispenser according to claim166, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise a pluralityof inserts comprising the holding compartments, and the inserts areconfigured to be positioned in a pattern that at least partiallyencircles the central axis of the interior volume.
 181. The dispenseraccording to claim 166, wherein at least a portion of the compartmentwalls of the plurality of holding compartments are attached one or morewalls of the dispenser body.
 182. The dispenser according to claim 180,wherein sidewalls of the dispenser body are at least partially curved atopposing ends of the interior body to at least partially contain anannular carousel comprising segmented chambers in the interior volume.183. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the at least onedispenser outlet is configured to provide access to only a singleholding compartment at the same time.
 184. The dispenser according toclaim 166, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet is configured toprovide access to a plurality of holding compartments at the same time.185. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the at least onedispenser outlet is sealable to inhibit penetration of moisture into theplurality of holding compartments.
 186. The dispenser according to claim166, wherein the dispenser body comprises at least one dispenser outletwhich comprises a dispenser lid located at a top or bottom of thedispenser.
 187. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein thedispenser body is resealably open at one or more opposing ends thereof.188. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the at least onedispenser outlet comprises one or more openable panels.
 189. Thedispenser according to claim 166, wherein the interior volume issubstantially entirely surrounded by the water-resistant walls of thedispenser body.
 190. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein anopening at one or more opposing ends of the dispenser body is configuredto provide access for replacement of moisture-sensitive pods in theplurality of holding compartments.
 191. The dispenser according to claim166, further comprising a mounting mechanism for mounting the dispenserto one or more of a wall and a fixture.
 192. The dispenser according toclaim 190, wherein the mounting mechanism comprises a hook or strapconfigured to hang the dispenser therefrom a shower-head.
 193. Thedispenser according to claim 190 where in the mounting mechanismcomprises at least one of an adhesive strip, velcro and/or magneticmechanism for mounting to a surface.
 194. The dispenser according toclaim 166, wherein the dispenser is free-standing.
 195. The dispenseraccording to claim 166, wherein the dispenser body is configured to bevertically stackable in contact with one or more other dispensers. 196.The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the dispenser body isconfigured to be horizontally stackable with other dispensers in acarrier.
 197. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein thedispenser body is configured to be vertically stackable with otherdispensers in a carrier.
 198. The dispenser according to claim 166,wherein the dispenser body is configured to be stackable with otherdispensers having the same or different personal care formulations. 199.The dispenser according to claim 197, wherein the dispenser body isstackable to form a personal care system having two or more dispensers,the dispenser having the same or different compositions.
 200. Thedispenser according to claim 198, wherein the personal care systemcomprises three dispensers, a first dispenser with moisture-sensitivepods comprising shampoo, a second dispenser with moisture-sensitive podscomprising conditioner, and a third dispenser with moisture-sensitivepods comprising body wash.
 201. The dispenser according to claim 166,wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the dispensercomprise the same or different personal care formulations.
 202. Thedispenser according to claim 166, wherein the liquid or gel formulationsare at least one of personal care and cleansing formulations.
 203. Thedispenser according to claim 201, wherein the formulations comprise atleast one of shampoo, conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combination, bodywash, body wash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub,shower gel and shaving gel.
 204. The dispenser according to claim 166,wherein the moisture-sensitive pods comprise the liquid or gelformulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film. 205.The dispenser according to claim 203, wherein the at least partiallywater soluble film comprises a water-soluble polymer.
 206. The dispenseraccording to claim 166, wherein the plurality of holding compartmentscomprise at least one annular insert having a plurality of segmentedchambers at least partially encircling the central axis of the interiorvolume.
 207. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the pluralityof holding compartments comprise a plurality of inserts each configuredto be arranged to at least partially encircle the central axis of theinterior volume, and to protect the moisture-sensitive pods frommoisture.
 208. A method of providing a personal care liquid or gelformulation, comprising: dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprisingthe liquid or gel formulation from the dispenser according to claim 166.209. A dispenser for dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive podscontaining personal care liquid or gel formulations, the dispensercomprising: a dispenser body having one or more water-resistant walls atleast partially defining an interior volume of the dispenser; a holdingarea configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in theinterior volume of the dispenser, wherein the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods held in the holding area are contained in aplurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment wallsthat separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacentholding compartments; and at least one dispenser outlet configured todispense a moisture-sensitive pod that is ejected from at least one ofthe plurality of holding compartments into the interior volume, whereinthe one or more water-resistant walls comprise a plurality of selectionregions formed therein, each selection region being aligned with arespective sealable holding compartment in the holding area such thatapplication of an external pressure to a selection region ejects amoisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment that is alignedtherewith into the interior volume of the dispenser, for dispensing ofthe moisture-sensitive pod from the dispenser, wherein the one or morewalls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into theinterior volume of the dispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod ismaintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it isdispensed.
 210. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the one ormore water-resistant walls comprise a first wall enclosure comprising aplurality of apertures therein at the plurality of selection regions,each of which apertures is configured to engage a respective one of theplurality of sealable holding compartments, and wherein the externalpressure can be applied through the apertures to the sealable holdingcompartments to eject the moisture-sensitive pods therefrom and into theinterior volume for dispensing of the moisture-sensitive pods from thedispenser.
 211. The dispenser according to claim 210, wherein theplurality of selection regions comprise one or more flexible layers overthe plurality of apertures that can be depressed to ejectmoisture-sensitive pods from respective sealable holding compartmentsthat are aligned with the selection regions.
 212. The dispenseraccording to claim 210, wherein the one or more water-resistance wallscomprises a second wall enclosure external to the first, the secondenclosure wall comprising a flexible material that can be depressed atthe plurality of selection regions to eject moisture-sensitive pods fromrespective sealable holding compartments that are aligned with theselection regions.
 213. The dispenser according to claim 209, whereineach of the plurality of sealable holding compartments comprise aninterior compartment wall portion facing the interior volume, theinterior compartment wall portion comprising an internal sealableaperture that allows ejection of the moisture-sensitive pod from theholding compartment into the interior volume upon application ofpressure to the internal sealable aperture.
 214. The dispenser accordingto claim 213, wherein the internal sealable aperture comprises a valvewith one or more flexible panels that allow ejection of themoisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment into the interiorvolume upon application of pressure to the one or more flexible panels.215. The dispenser according to claim 214, wherein pressure is exertedagainst the one or more flexible panels of the valve to open the valveand eject a moisture-sensitive pod contained in a sealable holdingcompartment into the interior volume via application of the externalpressure to the selection region.
 216. The dispenser according to claim214, wherein the valve comprises one or more flexible panels that areresealable following ejection of a moist-sensitive pod from the sealableholding compartment.
 217. The dispenser according to claim 216 whereinthe interior wall portion comprising comprises a layer of siliconehaving opening slots formed therein to provide the valve having the oneof more flexible panels.
 218. The dispenser according to claim 214,wherein internal wall portion comprises a removable panel having aplurality of valves therein, which is configured to be inserted into thedispenser such that the plurality of valves are aligned with therespective plurality of sealable holding compartments.
 219. Thedispenser according to claim 214, wherein the sealable aperturecomprises a penetrable sealing layer that allows ejection of themoisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment into the interiorvolume upon application of pressure to penetrate the penetrable sealinglayer.
 220. The dispenser according to claim 219, wherein the penetrablesealing layer comprises a foil or paper film.
 221. The dispenseraccording to claim 213 wherein the plurality of sealable holdingcompartments each comprise an exterior wall portion that is configuredto be engaged via application of the external pressure to the sectionregion aligned with the respective sealable holding compartment, theexternal wall portion having a flexible region that guides themoisture-sensitive pod towards the internal sealable aperture uponapplication of the external pressure, to eject the moisture-sensitivepod from the holding compartment via the internal sealable aperture.222. The dispenser according to claim 221 wherein the flexible region ofthe exterior wall portion comprises a moisture-sensitive pod enclosingregion and extended travel regions adjacent the moisture-sensitive podenclosing region that provide for travel of the moisture-sensitive podcontacting region in the direction towards the internal sealableaperture upon application of the external pressure.
 223. The dispenseraccording to claim 222 wherein the extended travel regions of theflexible regions of the exterior wall portions comprise elastic regionsthat are configured to translate the moisture-sensitive pod enclosingregion in the direction of the internal sealable aperture substantiallywithout deformation of the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region. 224.The dispenser according to claim 221 wherein the extended travel regionscomprise exterior wall bumps suspending the moisture-sensitive podenclosing region of the exterior wall portion therebetween, and whereinapplication of the external pressure at least partially deforms theexterior wall bumps in the direction of the internal sealable apertureto translate the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region towards theinternal sealable aperture.
 225. The dispenser according to claim 209wherein the plurality of selection regions comprise a plurality ofdepressible buttons that provide for ejection of moisture-sensitive podsfrom the plurality of holding compartments aligned with the respectivedepressible buttons upon application of external pressure thereto. 226.The dispenser according to claim 209 wherein the plurality of selectionregions are arranged in columns at a plurality of locations about aperiphery of the dispenser.
 227. The dispenser according to 226 whereinthe dispenser comprises an elongate dispenser body having a plurality ofcolumns with depressible buttons corresponding to the plurality ofselection regions about a periphery thereof.
 228. The dispenseraccording to claim 227, wherein the dispenser body further comprises arotatable cover having an elongate slot formed in a side wall thereinthat is sized to selectively expose the columns of depressible buttons,the rotatable cover being rotatable along a longitudinal axis of thedispenser body to selectively expose each of the columns upon rotationof the elongate slot to a position along the periphery of the dispenserbody corresponding to each column.
 229. The dispenser according to claim209, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises an outlet incommunication with the interior volume and formed in a bottom surface ofa base of the dispenser body.
 230. The dispenser according to claim 209wherein the plurality of selection regions are arranged in a pluralityof columns on at least one of a front panel and a rear panel of thedispenser.
 231. The dispenser according to 230 wherein the dispensercomprises front and rear panels, with the interior volume locatedbetween the front and rear panels, and wherein the plurality ofselection regions comprise a plurality of columns with depressiblebuttons arranged on at least one of the front and rear panels of thedispenser.
 232. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the atleast one dispenser outlet comprises an outlet in communication with theinterior volume and further in communication with a tray configured toreceive moisture-sensitive pods ejected from the sealable holdingcompartments, the tray being formed at a base of the dispenser body.233. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the plurality ofholding compartments comprise at least one removable insert configuredto be removed from the dispenser body for refill of the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods, and wherein each of the plurality of sealableholding compartments comprise an interior compartment wall portionconfigured to face the interior volume and having an internal sealableaperture that allows ejection of the moisture-sensitive pod from theholding compartment into the interior volume upon application ofpressure to the internal sealable aperture, wherein the interiorcompartment wall portion optionally comprises any of (i) a penetrablesealing layer of the insert that can be penetrated via pressure of thepod against the sealing layer to eject the pod from the holdingcompartment, (ii) a panel comprising a valve with flexible panelsaligned adjacent the holding compartment, such that pressure of the podagainst the valve ejects the pod from the holding compartment; and (ii)a combination of a penetrable sealing layer of the insert and panelcomprising a valve with flexible panels aligned adjacent the holdingcompartment, such that pressure of the pod against the penetrablesealing layer penetrates the sealing layer to eject the pod via thevalve from the holding compartment.
 234. The dispenser according toclaim 233, wherein the at least one removable insert comprises aplurality of holding compartments positioned along an insert strip, eachholding compartment configured to contain an individualmoisture-sensitive pod.
 235. The dispenser according to claim 234,wherein the holding area is configured to accommodate a plurality ofremovable inserts having the plurality of holding compartments in theinterior volume of the dispenser.
 236. The dispenser according to claim233, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise a pluralityof separate removable inserts, each containing a single holdingcompartment configured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod.237. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein at least a portion ofthe compartment walls of the plurality of holding compartments areattached to the dispenser body.
 238. The dispenser according to claim209, wherein the interior volume is substantially entirely surrounded bythe water-resistant walls of the dispenser body.
 239. The dispenseraccording to claim 209, wherein the water-resistant walls of thedispenser body define an opening in the dispenser body that isconfigured to provide access for refilling of moisture-sensitive pods inthe plurality of holding compartments.
 240. The dispenser according toclaim 209, wherein the liquid or gel formulations are at least one ofpersonal care and cleansing formulations.
 241. The dispenser accordingto claim 209, wherein the formulations comprise at least one of shampoo,conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combinations, body wash, bodywash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel andshaving gel.
 242. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein theplurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise up to 10 pods havingpersonal care compositions, the plurality of pods comprising a firstmoisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and asecond moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition,the first composition being different than the second composition. 243.The dispenser according to claim 242, wherein the plurality ofmoisture-sensitive pods further comprises a third moisture-sensitive podhaving a third personal care composition that is different than thefirst and second compositions.
 244. The dispenser according to claim243, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprisesa fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal carecomposition that is different than the first, second and thirdcompositions.
 245. The dispenser according to claim 243, wherein theplurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise a first moisture-sensitivepod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod havinga conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having abody wash formulation.
 246. The dispenser according to claim 233,wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise a first removableinsert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a firstpersonal care composition, and a second removable insert having one ormore moisture-sensitive pods comprising a second personal carecomposition, the first composition being different than the secondcomposition.
 247. The dispenser according to claim 246, wherein theplurality of holding compartments further comprises a third removableinsert comprising a third personal care composition that is differentthan the first composition and the second composition.
 248. Thedispenser according to claim 247, wherein the plurality of holdingcompartments further comprises a fourth removable insert comprising afourth personal care composition that is different than the first,second, and third compositions.
 249. The dispenser according to claim246, comprising a first removable insert having a moisture-sensitivepods comprising a shampoo formulation, a second removable insert havingmoisture-sensitive pods comprising a conditioner formulation, and athird removable insert having moisture-sensitive pods comprising a bodywash formulation.
 250. The dispenser according to claim 233, wherein theplurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removableinsert, and wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a firstmoisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and asecond moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition,the first composition being different than the second composition, onthe same insert.
 251. The dispenser according to claim 250, furthercomprising a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal carecomposition, the third composition being different than the first andsecond composition, on the same insert.
 252. The dispenser according toclaim 251, further comprising a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having afourth personal care composition, the fourth composition being differentthan the first, second and third composition, on the same insert. 253.The dispenser according to claim 251, wherein the at least one removableinsert comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampooformulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditionerformulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body washformulation, on the same insert.
 254. The dispenser according to claim209, wherein the moisture-sensitive pods comprise the liquid or gelformulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film. 255.The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the at least partiallywater soluble film comprises a water-soluble polymer.
 256. A method ofproviding a personal care liquid or gel formulation, comprising:dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gelformulation from the dispenser according to claim
 209. 257. An insertadapted for use in the dispenser according to any one of claims 1, 40,76, 123, 166, and 209 the insert comprising: a plurality ofcompartments, each compartment configured to house a singlemoisture-sensitive pod containing a personal care liquid or gelconcentrate formulation, each compartment further adapted to maintaineach moisture-sensitive pod in a substantially moisture-free environmentand each compartment configured to allow access to each pod on anindividual basis without impacting the moisture-free environment ofadjacent compartments.
 258. The insert according to claim 257, whereinthe insert comprises a first compartment wall region comprising asealable aperture.
 259. The insert according to claim 258, wherein thesealable aperture comprises a valve with one or more flexible panelsthat allow ejection of the moisture-sensitive pod from the holdingcompartment upon application of pressure to the one or more flexiblepanels.
 260. The insert according to claim 259, wherein the valvecomprises one or more flexible panels that are resealable followingejection of a moist-sensitive pod from the sealable holding compartment.261. The insert according to claim 260 wherein the first compartmentwall portion comprises a layer of silicone having opening slots formedtherein to provide the valve having the one of more flexible panels.262. The insert according to claim 258, wherein the first compartmentwall portion comprises a penetrable sealing layer that allows ejectionof the moisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment uponapplication of pressure to penetrate the penetrable sealing layer. 263.The insert according to claim 262, wherein the penetrable sealing layercomprises a foil or paper film.
 264. The insert according to claim 258,wherein the first compartment wall portion comprises a removable sealinglayer that can be removed to expose the sealable aperture prior to,during or following insertion of the insert into the dispenser.
 265. Theinsert according to claim 263, wherein the removable sealing layercomprises a foil or paper film.
 266. The insert according to claim 258wherein the plurality of holding compartments each comprise an exteriorwall portion having a flexible region that guides the moisture-sensitivepod towards the internal sealable aperture upon application of externalpressure to the exterior wall portion, to eject the moisture-sensitivepod from the holding compartment via the sealable aperture.
 267. Thedispenser according to claim 266 wherein the flexible region of theexterior wall portion comprises a moisture-sensitive pod enclosingregion and extended travel regions adjacent the moisture-sensitive podenclosing region that provide for travel of the moisture-sensitive podcontacting region in the direction towards the internal sealableaperture upon application of the external pressure.
 268. The insertaccording to claim 267 wherein the extended travel regions of theflexible regions of the exterior wall portions comprise elastic regionsthat are configured to translate the moisture-sensitive pod enclosingregion in the direction of the internal sealable aperture substantiallywithout deformation of the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region. 269.The insert according to claim 267 wherein the extended travel regionscomprise exterior wall bumps suspending the moisture-sensitive podenclosing region of the exterior wall portion therebetween, and whereinapplication of the external pressure at least partially deforms theexterior wall bumps in the direction of the internal sealable apertureto translate the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region towards theinternal sealable aperture.
 270. The insert according to claim 257,wherein the insert comprises a single-use disposable insert that is madeof an environmentally friendly material comprising any of a fiber-basedmaterial, a recyclable material and a compostable material.
 271. Theinsert according to claim 270, wherein the single-use insert ispre-loaded with the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods for dispensingfrom the dispenser.
 272. The insert according to claim 257, wherein theinsert comprises a reusable, multi-use insert that is made of a durablematerial.
 273. The insert according to claim 272, wherein the insert hasat least partially re-sealable apertures and/or valves formed in theholding compartment walls.
 274. The insert according to claim 272,wherein the reusable insert is configured to be manually and/ormechanically re-loaded with the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods fordispensing from the dispenser.
 275. A dispenser according to any one ofclaims 1, 40, 76, 123, 166, and 209 comprising a tongue-in-groovemechanism to mechanically link one or more panels of a removable insertto corresponding panels of the dispenser, such that opening of anindividual dispenser panel simultaneously opens an insert panel that isin mechanical communication with the dispenser panel, thereby exposing amoisture-sensitive pod in a holding compartment of the insert that iscovered by the insert panel, without exposing moisture-sensitive pods inadjacent compartments.
 276. A dispenser according to any of claims 5,42, 80, 129, 177 and 233, wherein the at least one removable insertcomprises a single use disposable insert that is made of anenvironmentally friendly material comprising any of a fiber-basedmaterial, a recyclable material and a compostable material.
 277. Theinsert according to claim 270, wherein the single-use insert ispre-loaded with the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods for dispensingfrom the dispenser.
 278. The insert according to any of claims 5, 42,80, 129, 177 and 233, wherein the at least one removable insertcomprises a reusable, multi-use insert that is made of a durablematerial.
 279. The insert according to claim 278, wherein the reusableinsert has at least partially re-sealable apertures and/or valves formedin the holding compartment walls.
 280. The insert according to claim278, wherein the reusable insert is configured to be manually and/ormechanically re-loaded with the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods fordispensing from the dispenser.